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 THE NORTH REDONDO BEACH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR THE SPRINGFEST REDONDO BEACH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE APRIL 16-19, 2026 AT THE REDONDO BEACH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The North Redondo Beach Business Association (NRBBA) has applied to have the business license tax waived for the organizer and external vendors participating in the 2026 Springfest Community Festival scheduled to take place on April 16-19, 2026. The community event, one of the largest in the South Bay, brings neighbors together; supports local schools and youth programs; and promotes local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations.
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 Springfest, vendors participating in the event would be subject to a projected tax of $133 each to procure the appropriate Business License. There are 25 vendors named in the waiver application in addition to the organizer. Food vendors, which make up 10 of the participants, would still be required to submit Los Angeles County issued health permits and licenses.
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 Mickey Johnson, NRBBA President on behalf of the NRBBA, requests a waiver for itself as the event organizer and participating vendors. In the application describing the community benefit, Mrs. Johnson refers to the event’s role in bringing the community together for live free entertainment, food, and shared experiences. According to the application, the event also supports youth programs as 175 Redondo Union High School students, including 20 interns from local high schools, learn about event planning, marketing, and production, gaining business and entrepreneurship experience. It also promotes local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations.
Springfest is a City signature event, and is supported by a $10,000 subsidy in the FY 2025-26 Budget. The City Council approved business license waivers for this event in 2025.
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. Staff estimates that the total business license revenue that would go uncollected as a result of the waiver is less than $4,000.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Application - Waiver of Business License Tax - Springfest Redondo Beach Community Festival, April 16-19, 2026