(A) This chapter is intended to regulate “adult uses”, those premises, enterprises, establishments, businesses or places open to some or ail members of the public, at or in which there is an emphasis on the presentation, display, depiction or description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” which are capable of being seen by members of the public.
(B) The nature of adult uses is such that they are recognized as having adverse secondary effects, based upon studies of the effects that adult establishments have on the surrounding areas. These studies have been conducted by the Minnesota Attorney General, and cities such as St. Paul, Minnesota; Indianapolis, Indiana; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; Houston, Texas; Newport News, Virginia; and Seattle, Washington.
(C) The adverse secondary effects found in the studies include increased crime rates, decreased property values, increased transiency, neighborhood blight, and potential health risks. These effects are particularly apparent when they are accessible to minors and located near residential properties or residential uses such as schools, day care centers, libraries or parks. The nature of the adult uses requires that they not be allowed within certain zoning districts, or set back a minimum distance from each other, or other residential uses. Special regulation of these uses is necessary to ensure that the adverse secondary effects will not contribute to or enhance criminal activity in the area of such uses, nor will it contribute to the blighting or downgrading of the surrounding property and lessening of its value.
(D) It is therefore in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Carver County that certain types of activities, as set forth in this chapter, are prohibited upon the premises of licensed liquor, wine and beer establishments so as to best protect and assist the owners and operators and employees of these premises, as well as patrons and the public in general. This chapter is intended to prevent harm stemming from the physical immediacy and combination of alcohol, nudity, and sex. The Carver County Board of Commissioners also desires to prevent any subliminal endorsement of sexual harassment or activities likely to lead to the possibility of various acts of criminal conduct such as prostitution, sexual assault, and disorderly conduct.
(Ord. 66-2010, passed 4-13-10)