(a) It is the intent of this chapter to prevent community-wide adverse economic impact, increased crime, decreased property values and the deterioration of neighborhoods which can result from the concentration of sexually oriented businesses in close proximity to each other or in close proximity to liquor establishments. It is Council's intent to prevent harmful secondary effects which can occur when sexually oriented businesses are in close proximity to other incompatible uses such as private and public educational facilities for minors, places of religious assembly or worship, public parks and recreational areas, nursing homes, and residentially zoned districts or uses. Council finds that sexually oriented businesses, because of their very nature, have a deleterious effect on both the existing businesses around them and the surrounding residential areas adjacent to them causing the downgrading of property values and urban blight and also causing other businesses and residents to move elsewhere.
(b) It is therefore the purpose of this chapter to establish reasonable and uniform regulations to prevent the concentration of sexually oriented businesses or their close proximity to incompatible uses, while permitting the location of sexually oriented businesses in some areas. In view of the adverse secondary effects associated with sexually oriented businesses, this chapter shall be implemented in conjunction with Chapter 787 of Canton Codified Ordinances, which establishes licensing criteria sufficient to ensure the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare. (Ord. 147-2018. Passed 7-2-18.)