To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: STEPHANIE MEYER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
TITLE
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APPROVE THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX WAIVER APPLICATION REQUESTING AN EXEMPTION FROM COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX RATES ESTABLISHED IN REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 6-1.22, AS PER SECTION 6-1.08 OF THE CODE, SUBMITTED BY BIH, LLC FOR THE HOLI AT THE BEACH EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE SEASIDE LAGOON ON MARCH 14, 2026
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BIH, LLC has applied to have the business license tax waived for vendors (three) participating in the Holi event to be held on March 14, 2026 at the Seaside Lagoon. The organization is committed to fostering cultural appreciation and social responsibility by integrating charitable donations, volunteer programs, and local job creation.
BACKGROUND
All entities conducting business within the City of Redondo Beach are required to comply with Section 6-1 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC) which establishes the process and fees associated with obtaining a Business License in the City of Redondo Beach.
Section 6-1.08(c) of the RBMC includes a means for entities to appeal to the City Council for a waiver exempting parties from payment of the appropriate tax when there is a community benefit. In the case of the Holi event, vendors participating in the event would be subject to a projected tax of $133 each to procure the appropriate Business License. There are three vendors named in the waiver application, of which one is a food vendor. Food vendors, even when exempted from the business license requirement, must provide required health and safety documentation.
Section 6-1.08(c) states, “Upon a written application to the Council, a person or organization may request an exemption from the business license requirements imposed by this chapter, and the Council may waive the provisions of this chapter if the Council finds and determines that the community benefit will be promoted by granting such an exemption.”
The attached Application for Waiver of Business License Tax submitted by Kishan Chavan, Founder, requests a waiver for itself as the organizer and its participating vendors. In its application describing community benefit, BIH, LLC refers to its event as a community touchpoint, that “serves as a bridge for connection, providing both a vibrant experience for attendees and a tangible economic and social benefit to the broader community.”
COORDINATION
This item was prepared in coordination with the Community Services Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact depends on the total number of vendors participating in the event. In this instance, the total business license revenue that would go uncollected as a result of waiver approval is estimated to be under $400. BIH, LLC will fully pay the Seaside Lagoon rental fee for the event, which is $14,135 plus additional public safety fees estimated at $6,000.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Application - Waiver of Business License Tax - Holi Event, BIH LLC