It is the purpose of this section to set forth development and operational standards for arcades. Such standards are adopted to protect the public welfare from potential problems associated with the operation of video machine arcades.
A. Definitions. For the purpose of this section the following definitions shall apply:
"Video arcade" means a commercial establishment that contains five or more "video machines."
"Video machine" means any machine, device or apparatus, the operation or use of which is permitted, controlled, allowed or made possible by the deposit or placing of any coin, plate, disc, slug, or key into any slot, crevice or other opening or by the payment of any fee or fees, for the use as a game, contest, which is operated through the use of electronic means with images and sounds transmitted through a cathode ray tube.
B. Permits Required.
1. Video arcades may be approved as a conditional use in the C-N, C-R, C-MU and D-MU zones pursuant to Chapter 17.38 of the Visalia zoning regulations.
2. Video machines, up to four in number, may be approved by the planning department pursuant to Section 17.38.070 (temporary uses) of the zoning regulations. Such permits shall be subject to the operational criteria set forth in subsection (C) of this section.
C. Operational Criteria.
1. Location. Video machines and arcades shall not be located closer than six hundred (600) feet to any public schools.
2. Hours of Operation. Normal hours of operation shall be between the hours of ten a.m. and eleven p.m. unless alternate hours are approved by the city council as part of a conditional use permit. Machines located in businesses may be operated during normal business hours if approved by the planning department (four or fewer machines) or city council (arcades). In any case, school aged children shall be prohibited from operating video machines while school is in session.
3. Security/Supervision. The use shall be under the supervision of an adult during all hours of operation. Additional supervision or security may be required as deemed necessary by the city council under the terms of the conditional use permit. The work station of the adult attendant shall be such that the entry and immediate outside area is visible. Supervision responsibility shall extend to the public and/or parking areas in the vicinity of the arcade.
4. Alcoholic Beverages. No alcoholic beverages shall be allowed to be bought or consumed on the premises, including the public and/or private areas in the vicinity. This shall not apply to businesses that are licensed and approved for alcoholic beverage sale and use.
5. Noise. No noise or sound generated by an arcade shall be audible outside of the arcade building.
6. Loitering. Gathering and loitering of individuals in the arcade and public and/or parking areas in the vicinity of the arcade shall be prohibited.
D. Monitoring of Use. Periodic inspections, which may or may not be announced in advance, may be conducted by the city to ascertain compliance of any arcade with the conditions of the use permit under which the arcade is operating. Violations of the conditional use permit or the provisions of this section shall be subject to enforcement under the provisions of Chapter 17.46 of the zoning regulations. Continuing violations may lead to revocation of the conditional use permit for an arcade, as set forth under Section 17.38.040 of the zoning regulations. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: prior code § 7488)