Sexually Oriented Businesses on Agenda

Sex will be the topic, or at least one topic, of discussion for the City Council today when members take up the issue of whether to allow a zoning request that would permit sexually oriented businesses to operate within the city limits.

A public hearing is scheduled on whether to adopt an emergency ordinance that would restrict businesses such as strip clubs and adult book stores to a parcel of industrial land on the city’s western edge.

The hearing will also discuss a proposed requirement that club owners and operators and employees of adult businesses submit to police background checks.

This is not the first time the city has had to consider such businesses.

A 1993 push by Philip Young to establish an adult-oriented business was quickly quashed by city officials after they effectively outlawed such businesses in the city.

A resulting court case ended in Young’s favor and overturned city ordinances that restricted adult businesses from locating too close to schools, churches and businesses frequented by young people.

If passed by the council, the new ordinance may land the city in court again.

Young’s attorney, Roger Jon Diamond, has said he will contest the ordinance because it unfairly singles out a certain type of business and makes it too hard to operate.

The City Council meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.