LA HABRA : City Restricts Locale of Sex-Oriented Business

The City Council voted this week to ban all adult businesses from opening within 250 feet of schools, playgrounds and churches. An additional provision of the law would prohibit them from doing business within 275 feet of any residential neighborhood.

Topless and nude bars, theaters, book and video stores, and other sexually oriented businesses--including hotels--now may open only in a few commercial and industrial zones throughout the city.

The new law also bars such establishments from opening within 150 of each other.

“This is our best foot forward to keep La Habra a nice place to live,” Mayor David M. Cheverton said.

City officials said uncontrolled adult businesses are detrimental to residents and other businesses located near them. In a report to the City Council, city staffers found that crime rates are higher in areas where such businesses operate.

The report also stated the image of the city “as a pleasant and attractive place to reside will be adversely affected by the presence of adult businesses in close proximity to” neighborhoods, churches, schools and parks.

The ordinance takes effect next month.

It does not replace a 300-day moratorium on issuing permits for nude-dancing entertainment. That moratorium will expire in November.

City Council members imposed the moratorium after they were told that some businesses planned to apply for permits in the city.