Entertainment Venues & Swimming Pools

The City of El Paso enforces zoning laws to maintain the integrity of residential areas, ensuring safety and compliance with public health regulations.

Entertainment Venues Regulations

Unregulated party halls and entertainment venues in residential areas can lead to excessive noise, traffic congestion, parking issues, and safety hazards. The City of El Paso enforces zoning laws to:

• Protect neighborhood integrity – Ensuring that residential areas remain peaceful and livable.
• Prevent safety risks – Large gatherings without proper security and emergency exits can become hazardous.
• Control traffic and parking issues – Events in residential zones can create parking shortages and congestion.
• Ensure businesses follow permitting and safety standards – Legitimate entertainment venues must comply with fire codes, occupancy limits, and health requirements.

According to the El Paso City Code, entertainment venues and dancehalls are defined as:

• Dancehall: Any place where the primary purpose is dancing.
• Entertainment Venue: A location used for hosting events, parties, and social gatherings, including private residences that are improperly converted into event spaces.

Prohibited in residential zones – Residential properties cannot be used as dancehalls or entertainment venues without proper zoning approval.
Allowed in C-2 and C-3 zones – These commercial zones permit entertainment venues, but businesses must obtain the necessary Special Permit.

Swimming Pool Regulations

According to the El Paso City Code, residential and commercial pools are defined as:

• Residential (Noncommercial) Pool: Used exclusively by residents and their guests, per El Paso City Code 20.02.1066.
• Commercial Pool: A pool that is open to the public for a fee, per El Paso City Code 20.02.1064.

Key Regulations

Residential Pools

• Residential pools CANNOT be rented out. (e.g., parties, photo shoots, filming videos, etc.)
• Private swimming lessons are allowed under the home occupation use.

Commercial pools require:

• Licensing
• Depth markers
• Annual water testing
• Safety equipment
• ADA compliance
• Proper parking arrangements