STANTON : Ban Extended on New Adult Businesses

New adult businesses such as massage parlors, escort services and adult bookstores will not be allowed to set up in the city for another year.

The City Council on Tuesday extended its temporary ban on adult stores for an additional year to allow consultants more time to revise city zoning and development ordinances governing such businesses.

The city placed a ban on adult businesses in September, 1991, as it began conducting a routine review of the types of uses allowed. Officials decided to take a look at the law because it had not been modified in years. Officials were also concerned about reports of problems caused by adult businesses in other cities, said Planning Director Mark Lloyd.

The city-hired consultants have been reviewing the businesses’ effect on crime, property values and commerce, officials said. City officials said the consultants will eventually suggest regulatory changes that may include requirements that such businesses be located farther away from churches, schools and residential neighborhoods than the 500-foot limit mandated under the old law.