(A) The purpose of §§ 157.242 to 157.246 of this chapter is to promote and protect public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the citizens of the city by regulating adult entertainment businesses and sexually oriented businesses. The establishment of such businesses has a deleterious effect on existing businesses and the surrounding residential segments of neighborhoods causing increased crime and blight and downgrading of property values. Such businesses, characteristically, utilize excessive illumination to identify their locations at night, thereby disturbing passing motorists, and operate during the late hours of the night and early hours of the morning, thereby creating excessive noise levels adversely affecting the surrounding neighborhoods. The type and character of the merchandise and paraphernalia sold or available for viewing at such businesses create an aura of mystery and enticement for youth that is increased by lascivious and suggestive advertising that is often employed to promulgate the availability of these products and services. Furthermore, such businesses have a general overall adverse effect on the health, safety, and welfare of the patrons of such businesses, visitors, and citizens of the city and upon the surrounding neighborhoods, thereby necessitating the regulation of the location of such businesses and uses within the city. It is also recognized that sexually oriented businesses, due to their nature, have serious objectionable operational characteristics particularly when they are located in close proximity to each other, thereby contributing to urban blight and downgrading the quality of life in the adjacent areas.
(B) It is the intent of these sections to regulate entertainment businesses, as defined herein, in such a manner as to prevent the erosion of the character of the surrounding neighborhoods and to prohibit the establishment of such businesses within close proximity to existing adult entertainment businesses, residentially zoned areas, schools, churches, parks and playgrounds within the city.
(Ord. 6-1993, passed 3-8-93)