(A)
Studies have shown that lowered property values and increased crime rates tend to accompany and are brought about by the concentration of adult establishments as defined herein. Regulation of these uses is necessary to ensure that these effects do not contribute to the blighting of surrounding neighborhoods and to protect the integrity of the town's schools, churches, childcare centers, parks and playgrounds which are typically areas in which juveniles congregate. It is the intent of this provision to establish reasonable regulations to prevent a concentration of adult establishments within the town and to separate adult establishments from those sensitive uses listed below.
(B) Adult establishments shall include an adult bookstore, adult motion picture theater, adult mini motion picture theater, adult live entertainment business, massage business as they are defined in G.S. § 14-202.10 and any establishment meeting the definition of "sexually oriented business" as defined in G.S. § 160D-902(f). These definitions shall be construed consistent with G.S. §§ 14-202.10 et seq., but shall not include art studios which use nude models for the purpose of drawing, painting or sculpting.
(C) (1) No adult establishment shall be located in the following areas:
(a) Within a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any residentially-zoned district;
(b) Within a minimum distance of 2,500 feet from any child day care center, park, playground, public or private school, and/or church; and
(c) Within a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from any other adult establishment.
(2) All measurements shall be made by drawing a straight line from the nearest point of the lot line where the proposed adult establishment is to be located to the nearest point of the lot line or boundary of the closest residentially zoned district, adult establishment, child day care center, park, playground, public or private school and/or church.
(D) This chapter does not conflict with state laws regulating pornographic materials and activities; but, rather, it regulates the locations of adult establishments whose materials or activities are legal.
(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)