§ 9-2102. FINDINGS.

The Council finds and determines as follows:

(a)

That the city's current card room ordinance as set forth in Sections 8-101 through 8-106.5 of the Fresno Municipal Code needs to be replaced by an ordinance that expands permitted games, authorizes an increase in the number of card tables permitted at any one address, limits the number of card rooms, contains strict regulations in time, place, and manner for operation of card rooms, and allows the city to receive revenues from the operation of such card rooms.

(b)

That an ordinance closely regulating card room operations within the City of Fresno is necessary to protect the interest of the citizens of Fresno.

(c)

That any card room, if permitted, shall continue to be confined to a single zone district—the C-4 zone district of the city. Card rooms are an appropriate use in the central trade district of an urbanized area, but cannot and should not be dispersed into shopping areas in suburban locations.

(d)

That the city's continued limitations on the number and location of card room operations will minimize any detrimental effect from the physical presence of card rooms in the city.

(e)

That due to social problems inherent in legal gaming activities, based on the foregoing findings and for the welfare of the community, said ordinance shall permit not more than 51 card tables within the City. No card room shall have less than ten card tables per card room or more than 51 card tables per card room. No temporary gaming tables will be permitted in a cardroom for any purpose including, but not limited to, instruction, special events or tournaments.

(Added Ord. 94-50, § 2, eff. 8-19-94; Am. Ord. 98-39, § 1, eff. 7-20-98; Am. Ord. 2003-51, § 1, eff. 7-28-03; Am. Ord. 2012-16, § 1, eff. 9-2-12).