(a) The purpose of these regulations is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City by protecting residential areas and facilities where children are likely to be present from the potential negative secondary effects from sexually oriented businesses as defined in this chapter. The City Council of Stow has reviewed the studies from several other local governments, police departments, and planning agencies regarding the potential negative secondary effects of Sexually Oriented Businesses and has concluded that the following are the potential negative secondary effects: increased crime including prostitution, health concerns including sexually transmitted diseases, reduction in property values and contribution to blight.
(b) The provisions of this chapter have neither the purpose nor intent of imposing a limitation or restriction on the content of any communicative materials, including sexually oriented materials. Similarly, it is not the intent or effect of this chapter to restrict or deny access by adults to sexually oriented materials protected by the First Amendment, or to deny access by the distributors and exhibitors of sexually oriented entertainment to their intended market.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)