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MUNICIPAL CODE
FOREWORD
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ZONING
CHAPTER 1A CITY OF LOS ANGELES ZONING CODE
CHAPTER II* LICENSES, PERMITS, BUSINESS REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 1 BUSINESS TAXES
SEC. 21.00. DEFINITIONS.
SEC. 21.01. UNLAWFUL BUSINESS NOT AUTHORIZED.
SEC. 21.02. CONSTITUTIONAL EXEMPTIONS.
SEC. 21.03. IMPOSITION OF TAX.
SEC. 21.03.1. AUTOMATIC TAX RATE REDUCTION.
SEC. 21.04. DUE DATES.
SEC. 21.05. DELINQUENT DATES - INTEREST - PENALTIES.
SEC. 21.06. SEPARATE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE REQUIRED FOR EACH LOCATION AND EACH BUSINESS TAX CLASSIFICATION.
SEC. 21.06.1. SINGLE PRIMARY TAX CLASSIFICATION ELECTION.
SEC. 21.07. REFUNDS OF OVERPAYMENTS.
SEC. 21.08. BUSINESS TAX REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE - FORM.
SEC. 21.09. BUSINESS TAX REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES - POSTING AND KEEPING.
SEC. 21.10. BUSINESS TAX REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES - CHARGE FOR DUPLICATION.
SEC. 21.11. BUSINESS TAX REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE - TRANSFER.
SEC. 21.12. BUSINESS TAX REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES - SUSPENSION.
SEC. 21.13. NEWLY ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES - COMPUTATION OF BUSINESS TAX.
SEC. 21.14. WRITTEN STATEMENTS - WHEN REQUIRED - COMPUTATION OF THE TAX.
SEC. 21.15. DIRECTOR OF FINANCE - DUTY TO ENFORCE - POWERS - RULES AND REGULATIONS.
SEC. 21.16. ASSESSMENT - ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDY.
SEC. 21.16.1. VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE.
SEC. 21.17. CONFIDENTIAL CHARACTER OF INFORMATION OBTAINED - DISCLOSURE UNLAWFUL.
SEC. 21.18. DELINQUENT TAXES - INSTALLMENT PAYMENT.
SEC. 21.19. DELINQUENT TAXES - SUIT FOR RECOVERY.
SEC. 21.20. DELINQUENT TAXES - DEBT NOT DISCHARGED BY PENAL CONVICTION.
SEC. 21.21. DELINQUENT TAXES - UNCOLLECTIBLE.
SEC. 21.22. RELIGIOUS, CHARITY, ETC.; PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE OF TAX EXEMPT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES.
SEC. 21.23. EFFECT OF REPEALS AND AMENDMENTS.
SEC. 21.24. EXEMPTION FOR PERSONS HAVING EQUAL OR GREATER PAYROLL EXPENSE TAX LIABILITY.
SEC. 21.25. RELIEF FOR EARTHQUAKE INTERRUPTION.
SEC. 21.26. EMPOWERMENT ZONE - CITY BUSINESS TAX REDUCTIONS, LIMITATIONS, AND EXEMPTIONS.
SEC. 21.27. ENTERTAINMENT AND MULTIMEDIA BUSINESS TAX LIMITATIONS.
SEC. 21.28. FISCAL YEAR REPORTING.
SEC. 21.29. SMALL BUSINESS EXEMPTION.
SEC. 21.30. NEW BUSINESS EXEMPTION.
SEC. 21.31. SETTLEMENT BUREAU.
SEC. 21.32. REWARDS FOR INFORMATION.
SEC. 21.33. [TAX RATES.]
SEC. 21.41. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 1.
SEC. 21.42. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 2.
SEC. 21.43. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 2.
SEC. 21.44. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 4.
SEC. 21.45. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 5.
SEC. 21.46. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 6.
SEC. 21.47. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 7.
SEC. 21.48. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 8.
SEC. 21.49. GROSS RECEIPTS FUND CLASS 9.
SEC. 21.50. TAXATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA COLLECTIVES.
SEC. 21.51. TAXATION OF CANNABIS.
SEC. 21.52. TAXATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS.
SEC. 21.53. AMUSEMENT PARK.
SEC. 21.55. AUCTIONEER.
SEC. 21.56. AUTO PARK
SEC. 21.59. BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, ETC.
SEC. 21.62. BILLIARDS, ETC.
SEC. 21.63. AMUSEMENT MACHINES.
SEC. 21.64. COIN-OPERATED PHONOGRAPHS AND MUSIC MACHINES.
SEC. 21.65. VENDING MACHINES.
SEC. 21.65.1. COIN-OPERATED SCALES AND SERVICE MACHINES.
SEC. 21.70. BOWLING ALLEY, SKEE-BALL SHUFFLEBOARD, ETC.
SEC. 21.74. CIRCUSES.
SEC. 21.75. SIDE SHOWS, CARNIVALS, CONCESSIONS.
SEC. 21.78. COLLECTION AGENCIES.
SEC. 21.79. COMMISSION BROKERS.
SEC. 21.80. INDEPENDENT TELEMARKETING AGENCY.
SEC. 21.83. DANCE HALL.
SEC. 21.85. PUBLIC DANCE.
SEC. 21.94. RIDES.
SEC. 21.98. OFFICE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, ETC., RENTALS.
SEC. 21.98.1. SWAP MEET OPERATOR.
SEC. 21.98.2. ANTIQUE SHOW AND COLLECTORS’ EXCHANGE SHOW PROMOTER.
SEC. 21.99. RENTING ACCOMMODATIONS.
SEC. 21.102. LAUNDRY, CLEANING AND DYEING AGENT, COLLECTOR, LINEN SUPPLY, SHOE REPAIR.
SEC. 21.108. MONEY LENDERS.
SEC. 21.109. MOTION PICTURE, TELEVISION AND RADIO PRODUCERS.
SEC. 21.124. OIL WELLS.
SEC. 21.141. WAREHOUSE - STORAGE OF GOODS.
SEC. 21.142. STEVEDORES.
SEC. 21.143. TUGBOAT AND BARGE OPERATORS.
SEC. 21.147. THEATRE.
SEC. 21.166. MERCHANDISE WHOLESALE SELLING.
SEC. 21.167. MERCHANDISE - RETAIL SELLING.
SEC. 21.167.1. SALES OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.
SEC. 21.168.1. OUT OF STATE SALES.
SEC. 21.168.2. SALE FOR CONVENIENCE.
SEC. 21.168.3. CERTAIN SOLICITORS DEEMED EMPLOYEES.
SEC. 21.168.4. EXEMPTION - TEMPORARY EXHIBITORS AT TRADESHOWS.
SEC. 21.168.5. CERTIFIED PRODUCERS DEEMED EMPLOYEES.
SEC. 21.169. CHRISTMAS TREES.
SEC. 21.170. CHRISTMAS TREE LOT CLEAN-UP DEPOSITS.
SEC. 21.171. RETAILERS OF NEW PASSENGER MOTOR VEHICLES.
SEC. 21.187. COMMON CARRIER BUS.
SEC. 21.188. CONTRACTORS.
SEC. 21.189.1. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.
SEC. 21.189.2. RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTER.
SEC. 21.189.3. CHILD CARE PROVIDERS.
SEC. 21.189.4. MULTIMEDIA BUSINESSES.
SEC. 21.190. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS.
SEC. 21.190.1. EXEMPTION.
SEC. 21.191. HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS.
SEC. 21.192. PERSONAL PROPERTY RENTAL.
SEC. 21.192.1. RENTAL - OUT OF STATE PROPERTY.
SEC. 21.193. SALE OF REAL PROPERTY.
SEC. 21.194. TRANSPORTING PERSONS FOR HIRE.
SEC. 21.195. TRUCKING - HAULING
SEC. 21.196. MISCELLANEOUS TRUCKING.
SEC. 21.197. TELEPHONE COMPANIES.
SEC. 21.199. SALES TAX.
ARTICLE 1.1 TELEPHONE, ELECTRICITY AND GAS USERS TAX
ARTICLE 1.2 1984 OLYMPIC GAMES TICKET DISTRIBUTION TAX
ARTICLE 1.3 COMMERCIAL TENANT’S OCCUPANCY TAX
ARTICLE 1.5 USE TAX [Suspended]
ARTICLE 1.6 UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX
ARTICLE 1.7 TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
ARTICLE 1.8 CIGARETTE TAX ORDINANCE
ARTICLE 1.9 REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
ARTICLE 1.10 DWELLING UNIT CONSTRUCTION TAX
ARTICLE 1.11 PAYROLL EXPENSE TAX
ARTICLE 1.12 TAX PENALTY AMNESTY OF 2020
ARTICLE 1.13 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TAX
ARTICLE 1.14 SPECIAL FIRE SAFETY AND PARAMEDIC COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT TAX
ARTICLE 1.15 PARKING OCCUPANCY TAX
ARTICLE 1.16 SPECIAL POLICE COMMUNICATIONS / 911 SYSTEM TAX
ARTICLE 1.17 ENTERPRISE ZONE HIRING TAX CREDIT VOUCHER APPLICATION FEES
ARTICLE 2 DEFINITIONS - AUTHORITY AND PROCEDURE - REVOCATION OF PERMITS
ARTICLE 6 BICYCLES AND VEHICLES
ARTICLE 8 ADVERTISING
ARTICLE 9 REPOSSESSION OF MOTOR VEHICLES - PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER III PUBLIC HEALTH CODE
CHAPTER IV PUBLIC WELFARE
CHAPTER V PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROTECTION
CHAPTER VI PUBLIC WORKS AND PROPERTY
CHAPTER VII TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER VIII TRAFFIC
CHAPTER IX BUILDING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER X BUSINESS REGULATIONS
CHAPTER XI NOISE REGULATION
CHAPTER XII THE WATER CONSERVATION PLAN OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER XIII THE EMERGENCY ENERGY CURTAILMENT PLAN OF THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER XV RENT STABILIZATION ORDINANCE
CHAPTER XVI HOUSING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER XVII RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE USE OF THE LOS ANGELES AIRPORTS
CHAPTER XVIII EMPLOYEE WAGES AND PROTECTIONS
CHAPTER XIX ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
CHAPTER XX COVID-19 PROTECTION AND RECOVERY*
TABLES
Los Angeles Planning and Zoning
Chapter 1A City of Los Angeles Zoning Code
Table of Amending Legislation for Chapter 1A
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SEC. 21.52. TAXATION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS.
   (Added by Ord. No. 184,841, Eff. 4/4/17.)
 
[Editor's note: Section enacted pursuant to Proposition M, adopted by the voters at the election on March 7, 2017.]
 
   Nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring the City to allow, permit, license, authorize, or otherwise regulate medical cannabis or any business related to medical cannabis.
 
   (a)   For the purpose of this Section, the following words and phrases shall be defined as follows:
 
   1.   “Cannabis” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 21.51(a)(1) of this Article.
 
   2.   “Cannabis products” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 21.51(a)(2) of this Article.
 
   3.   “Gross receipts” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 21.51(a)(4) of this Article.
 
   4.   “License” shall have the same meaning as set forth in Section 21.51(a)(5) of this Article.
 
   5.   “Medical cannabis” shall mean a product containing cannabis or cannabis products sold for use by medical cannabis patients in California pursuant to the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, found at Section 11362.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.
 
   (b)   For purposes of this Section, the business tax to be imposed shall be as follows:
 
   1.   Every person with a license engaged in business of conducting the sale of medical cannabis shall pay a business tax of $50.00 for each $1,000.00 of gross receipts or fractional part thereof.
 
   (c)   The Office of Finance shall file quarterly reports summarizing the amount of business taxes collected from the persons described in subsection (b) of this Section with the City Council, Mayor, Controller, and City Administrative Officer beginning April 1, 2018.
 
   (d)   All business taxes shall be due and payable quarterly as provided under Section 21.04(b) of this Article beginning July 1, 2018, which shall include any taxes owed from January 1, 2018, and then monthly as provided under Section 21.04(c) of this Article beginning July 1, 2019.
 
   (e)   The Office of Finance shall prescribe and implement a reasonable process, including set times and secure conditions, whereby every person subject to business tax under this Section is allowed to pay, in cash, the amount of business tax reported on their written statement, as prescribed under Section 21.04 of this Article.
 
   (f)   The Director of Finance may prescribe such additional requirements or conditions, as provided under Section 21.15(h), as may be necessary when granting a business tax registration certificate under Section 21.08 of this Article with respect to a business subject to this Section, which may include an affidavit of compliance and proof of License. Any person who makes a false statement or misrepresentation in any required affidavit under this Section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
 
   (g)   It shall be a misdemeanor for any person operating a medical cannabis business to maintain or display a business tax registration certificate for any classification other than that set forth herein for medical cannabis business activity or to maintain or display an expired, suspended or otherwise invalid business tax registration certificate.
 
   (h)   No business tax registration certificate issued for purposes of this Section or the payment of any tax required under this Section shall be construed as authorizing the conduct or continuance of any illegal business or of a legal business in an illegal manner. Nothing in this Section implies or authorizes that any activity in connection with cannabis and/or cannabis products is legal unless otherwise authorized by federal and any other applicable law.
 
   (i)   Every person subject to this Section must pay the full tax imposed by this Section regardless of any rebate, exemption, incentive, or other reduction set forth elsewhere in the Municipal Code, except as required by state or federal law. No provision in the Municipal Code shall lower the tax rate set forth in this Section or otherwise reduce the amount of taxes paid hereunder unless the provision specifically states that the reduction applies.
 
   (j)   The City Council may impose the tax authorized by this Section at a lower rate and may establish exemptions, incentives or other reductions as otherwise allowed by the Charter and state law. No action by the Council under this paragraph shall prevent it from later increasing the tax or removing any exemption, incentive, or reduction and restoring up to the maximum tax specified in this Section.
 
   (k)   The provisions of this Section shall be effective January 1, 2018, at which time the language of this Section shall govern in the event of any conflict between this Section and Section 21.50 regarding taxation of medical marijuana collectives.
 
 
SEC. 21.53. AMUSEMENT PARK.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 140,833, Eff. 9/28/70, Oper. 1/1/71.)
 
   For every person engaged in the business of conducting an amusement park, the tax shall be $923.83 per quarter. (Amended by Ord. No. 166,204, Eff. 10/11/90, Oper. 1/1/91.)
 
   For the purpose of this section, an amusement park shall mean any grounds or enclosure wherein concessions and adult rides of a permanent nature and having a fixed location are situated and shows or exhibitions are presented, shown, staged, or offered to the public.
 
   For the purpose of this section, adult rides shall be defined to include any Ferris wheel, scenic railway, merry- go-round, swing, or similar device offered for the amusement of the public for a fee or charge and not of a miniature type intended primarily for the use of children; and, concession shall be defined to include any permanent booth or stand or any space, court or area at or in which any game or test of skill, science or amusement is offered and at or in which the public is permitted or invited to participate for a fee or charge. Concessions shall not include coin- operated games of skills, science or amusement.
 
 
SEC. 21.55. AUCTIONEER.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 166,204, Eff. 10/11/90, Oper. 1/1/91.)
 
   For every individual person who as an employee or as an independent contractor engages in the business of auctioneer, the tax shall be $886.88 per year or fractional part thereof.
 
 
SEC. 21.56. AUTO PARK
   (Repealed by Ord. No. 178,101, Eff. 1/9/07.)
 
 
SEC. 21.59. BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, ETC.
   (Repealed by Ord. No. 178,101, Eff. 1/9/07.)
 
 
SEC. 21.62. BILLIARDS, ETC.
 
   For every person engaged in the business of conducting or operating any pool or billiard room, or who for a fee or charge of any kind lets to players the use of any pool table, billiard table or similar device, or who keeps any such table or device available for such use, the tax shall be $106.43 per year for each table or device, whether used or not, which is kept upon the premises. This section shall apply regardless of whether the table is maintained as an incident to the conduct or operation of a social or athletic club, or as an adjunct of any other private institution or activity, if a charge is imposed for the use thereof. (First Sentence Amended by Ord. No. 166,204, Eff. 10/11/90, Oper. 1/1/91.)
 
 
SEC. 21.63. AMUSEMENT MACHINES.
   (Amended by Ord. No. 166,204, Eff. 10/11/90, Oper. 1/1/91.)
 
   For every person who lets or permits, upon premises over which the person has control, the use or operation of any amusement machine, device, game or apparatus, except such machines, devices, games or apparatus as are described and referred to in Sections 21.64 or 21.70 of this article, and the operation or use of which results from, or is permitted or allowed by, insertion of any coin, slug or token of value into the machine, device, game or apparatus, or any device attached thereto, or by the payment of any fee or fees, the tax shall be $22.17 per year or fractional part thereof for each such machine, device, game or apparatus, whether or not such person is the owner or such machine, device, game or apparatus.
 
 
SEC. 21.64. COIN-OPERATED PHONOGRAPHS AND MUSIC MACHINES.
 
   (a)   For every person who lets or permits, upon premises over which the person has control, the use of any coin-operated phonograph, television instrument, radio or other device for the playing or furnishing of music or other programs, the operation of which results from the insertion of a coin, slug or token of value, whether placed or inserted directly into such machine, or into a device causing its operation, the tax shall be $22.17 per year or fractional part thereof for each such machine or device, whether or not such person is the owner of such machine or device. (Amended by Ord. No. 166,204, Eff. 10/11/90, Oper. 1/1/91.)
 
   (b)   The tax imposed under this section shall not apply to a person letting or permitting the use of any such device in any room used solely for dwelling purposes and which was installed for the use of the occupants thereof; but a person engaged in the business of maintaining or operating any such coin-operated machine installed for use by occupants of dwelling quarters, shall be taxed under the provisions of Sec. 21.65.1.
 
 
SEC. 21.65. VENDING MACHINES.
   (Repealed by Ord. No. 178,101, Eff. 1/9/07.)
 
 
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