VENTURA : Moratorium Issued on Adult Businesses

The Ventura City Council has issued a temporary ban on permits for adult bookstores and theaters until officials have a chance to decide where the businesses should be located.

The measure, approved Monday by a 6-0 vote, prohibits an adult-oriented business from obtaining an operating license for at least 45 days while officials consider amendments to the city’s zoning code. Mayor Gregory Carson abstained on the measure because he was not at the meeting two weeks ago when public testimony was taken on the matter.

“We are not going to be able to prevent adult bookstores from coming into Ventura,” said Councilman Gary Tuttle. “But we can disperse them so we don’t have to get them near schools and churches. We are looking to draft some guidelines so we can control it somewhat.”

The ordinance was formulated in response to a recent proposal to build an adult bookstore near the county superintendent of schools’ office on Main Street in Ventura, a move that the city was powerless to stop because codes did not address adult-oriented businesses.

At the end of the 45 days, city officials could extend the ban for up to two years while they study the issue. The measure also limits the ability of an existing adult-oriented operation to move or expand, but it would have no other limiting effect on existing business.

The city has only one adult bookstore, Three Star Books on Main Street.