Alternative Financial Services Guidelines

Alternative Financial Services Guidelines

On August 1, 2017, the El Monte City Council adopted Ordinance Number 2920, which established reasonable zoning and land use requirements for Alternative Financial Service (AFS) businesses. An AFS is an establishment that offers financial services outside traditional federally insured financial institutions, including, but not limited to: check cashing outlets, payday lenders, pawnbrokers, and vehicle title lenders. New AFS businesses are now only allowed in the City's C-3 (General Commercial) and C-4 (Heavy Commercial) zones with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Existing AFS businesses within the C-3 or C-4 zones would need to obtain a CUP by August 31, 2021. However, existing AFS businesses outside of the qualifying zones must cease operations by August 31, 2024 or may request an extension for an additional two years.

• Applications:
  • Planning Division Entitlement Appication (PDF)
  • Planning Conditional Use Permit Packet (PDF)
• Area Map:
  • C-3 and C-4 Zones (PDF)
• Council Information:
  • Ordinance Number 2920 (PDF)