Supervisors Adopt Tougher Ordinance for Adult Businesses

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Thursday that will make it more difficult to establish businesses that sell pornography near schools and residences.

The ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Gloria Molina, prohibits adult-oriented businesses within 250 feet of a residence and within 500 feet of schools or parks.

Molina said that although adult businesses have the constitutional right to exist, communities have the right to establish basic standards.

The ordinance ensures that communities are protected and are empowered to be a part of the solution, “not just the recipient of constant problems,” Molina said.

In addition to the location restrictions, the ordinance requires adult businesses to hire security guards, screen their interiors from public view and limit business hours.

The ordinance also establishes public hearings in which proposed adult businesses must demonstrate compliance with all location and development standards.

Existing businesses will have one year to comply with the new standards, officials said.