§ 12-390. Findings, purpose and objectives.

(a)

The council finds that sexually oriented businesses have adverse secondary characteristics, particularly when they may be accessible to minors or are located near residential properties or schools, day care centers, libraries and parks, and can exert a dehumanizing influence on persons attending or using such places or facilities.

(b)

Sexually oriented businesses can contribute to an increase in criminal activity in the area in which such businesses are located, taxing city crime prevention programs and law enforcement services.

(c)

Sexually oriented businesses can significantly contribute to the deterioration of residential neighborhoods and can impair the character and quality of the residential housing in the area in which such businesses are located, thereby exacerbating the shortage of affordable and habitable housing for city residents.

(d)

The concentration of sexually oriented businesses in one area can have a substantially detrimental effect on the area in which such businesses are concentrated and on the overall quality of urban life. A cycle of decay can result from the influx and concentration of sexually oriented businesses. The presence of such businesses is perceived by others as an indication that the area is deteriorating and the result can be devastating; other businesses move out of the vicinity and residents flee from the area. Declining real estate values, which can result from the concentration of such businesses, erode the city's tax base and contribute to overall urban blight.

(e)

The regulation of sexually oriented businesses by prescribing licensing requirements is warranted to prevent criminal activity and promote public health. Further, the prevention of criminal activity and the promotion of public health requires intensive efforts with respect to sexually oriented businesses which exceed those required to control and regulate other business activities in the city.

(Code 1992, § 1345.01; Ord. No. 1993-10, 8-25-1993)