Based on convincing documented evidence, studies, findings and reports concerning the negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses regarding both commercial and residential areas and the nexus between sexually oriented businesses, obscene materials and sexual exhibits and alcohol consumption, and illegal drug distribution and use, the City Council finds:
(a) Sexually oriented businesses have negative secondary effects on the existing businesses around them and the surrounding residential areas adjacent to them, causing increased crime, the downgrading of property values, the downgrading of adjacent neighborhoods, making adjacent neighborhoods significantly less attractive and less safe for raising children and denigrating both residential life and commercial activity for other types of businesses. Sexually oriented businesses downgrade the quality of life and fitness of property for other uses in areas both immediate and adjacent to such businesses.
(b) The negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses are increased when they are located in close proximity to each other and when the service or consumption of alcohol is permitted at or near such locations.
(c) Improper conduct involving sexual acts occurs at sexually oriented businesses which provide private or semi-private booths or viewing rooms for the viewing of films, videos or live performances.
(d) The findings noted above raise substantial governmental concerns for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City and it is appropriate for the purpose of promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City, particularly the children of the community and those conducting general business, that reasonable regulations be enacted so as to address the substantial governmental concerns to minimize and control the negative secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses and thereby promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City, protect the citizens from increased crime, preserve the value of property, and preserve the quality of life and the quality and character of surrounding neighborhoods for residential and commercial purposes.
(e) The enactment of reasonable regulations of sexually oriented businesses which involve locational criteria, licensing criteria, operational criteria, and the prohibition of alcohol and illegal substance use are appropriate to address the substantial governmental concerns and protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City.
(f) A reasonable licensing procedure and zoning requirements are appropriate mechanisms to place the burden of reasonable regulations on the owners of sexually oriented businesses and such a licensing procedure will place an incentive on the owners to see that the sexually oriented business is operated in a manner which is consistent with the health, safety and welfare of patrons, employees and citizens of the City.
(Ord. 1586. Passed 2-27-07.)