VENTURA : Council Extends Ban on Adult Bookstores

The Ventura City Council on Monday decided to extend a temporary law banning adult bookstores and theaters until officials decide on restrictions that will limit where the businesses can be located.

The ordinance was first adopted June 15, 1992, and was scheduled to expire next Monday, said Everett Millais, community development director. The council voted unanimously to extend it for another year.

Under the temporary law, no adult-oriented business can obtain an operating license while officials consider amendments to the city’s zoning codes.

“Changing the zoning code is not something we do frivolously,” Millais said. “There is a fair amount of work involved and we haven’t had time to get to it yet.”

The temporary ordinance was passed in response to a proposal to build an adult bookstore near the office of the county superintendent of schools on Main Street in Ventura. At that time, city leaders realized they were powerless to stop the bookstore because city codes do not restrict the location of adult-oriented businesses. Although the adult bookstore never opened, the proposal caused a furor among downtown merchants and church groups. The city can spend up to two years studying the issue before the ban expires.