City Considers Clearer Adult Business Rules

Guidelines for the city’s adult business ordinance would be more specific under revisions being proposed by the Planning Commission.

The current law states only where an adult establishment such as a nude bar and or X-rated bookstore may locate and how to get permission to open such a business in La Habra.

Under the revised ordinance, approved unanimously by the Planning Commission and sent to the City Council for approval next month, the rules would be more involved.

For example, the ordinance would specify an exact timetable for filing a business application, seeking public comment and conducting a traffic study.

Another recommendation is that all adult businesses be at least 275 feet away from any residential zone, school, church or park, measured from property line to property line--rather than from building to building.

Assistant city planner Christine Cowley said the purpose for the revisions is to keep the adult business ordinance updated to reflect recent court decisions and to avoid misunderstandings.

“This is more clear,” she said of the proposal. “No confusion.”