HomeMy WebLinkAboutG82-95 (2) Ordinance No. G82-95
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 19, ENTITLED "ZONING" OF THE
ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, 1976, AS AMENDED, TO REGULATE
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
WHEREAS, written application has been made to amend the
zoning ordinance to regulate sexually oriented businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Commission
conducted a public hearing concerning the proposed amendment
after due notice in the manner provided by law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Commission has
submitted its written findings and recommendation that the
requested amendment be granted; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Elgin, Illinois,
concurs in the findings and recommendations of the Planning
and Development Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Attorney General, in a report
dated 6 June 1989, entitled "Report of the Attorney Generals '
Working Group on the Regulation of Sexually Oriented
Businesses" reviewed various studies conducted throughout the
nation regarding the impact of adult uses, including the
following:
1 . A 1980 study completed by the Minneapolis Crime
Prevention Center which determined that there was a strong
relationship between sexually oriented businesses and the
crime rates including robbery, burglary, rape, and assault; and
2 . A 1984 study conducted by the City of Indianapolis,
Indiana, titled "Adult Entertainment Business in Indianapolis"
found that areas where sexually oriented businesses are
located had higher crime rates, including a seventy-seven
percent higher crime rate for sex related crimes, including
rape, indecent exposure and child molestation, than similar
areas where no sexually oriented businesses were located; and
3 . A 1979 study prepared by the Planning Department of
the City of Phoenix, Arizona, titled "Relation of Criminal
Activity and Adult Businesses" showed that arrests for sexual
crimes and the location of sexually oriented businesses were
directly related; and
WHEREAS, the studies performed by the various cities
provide convincing documented evidence that sexually oriented
businesses have a deleterious effect on both the surrounding
businesses and adjacent residential areas, causing among other
adverse secondary effects, increased crime and a lowering of
property values; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds there would be a
deterioration in the character of operating in and around
sexually oriented businesses; and
WHEREAS, increased crime and unhealthful conduct tend to
accompany, concentrate around and be aggravated by sexually
oriented businesses, including but not limited to
prostitution, pandering, exposing minors to harmful materials,
possession and distribution of obscene materials and child
pornography, possession and sale of controlled substances and
violent crimes against person and property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the decision of
the United States Supreme Court regarding the local regulation
of sexually oriented businesses, including but not limited to
Young v. American Mini-Theaters, Inc . , 427 U. S . 50 ( 1976) ;
Renton v. Playtime Theatres, 475 U.S. 41 ( 1986 ) ; FW/PBS,
Inc. v. Dallas, 493 U.S. 215 ( 1990) ; Barnes v. Glen
Theatre, 501 U.S . 560 ( 1991) ; and the U.S . Court of Appeals
decision in Topanga Press, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles, 939
F. 2d 1524 ( 1993) ; and the Illinois Supreme Court decision in
County of Cook v. Renaissance Arcade and Bookstore, 122
I11 . 2d 123 ( 1988) ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to minimize and control
these adverse secondary effects and thereby protect the
health, safety, and welfare of the residents; protect the
residents from increased crime; preserve the qualify of life;
preserve the property values and the character of surrounding
neighborhoods and businesses and, deter the spread of urban
blight; and
WHEREAS, the reasonable regulation of sexually oriented
businesses will provide for the protection of property values
and will protect city residents and persons who work within
the city from the adverse effects of sexually oriented
businesses while providing those who desire to patronize
sexually oriented businesses a reasonable opportunity to do so
in appropriate areas .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS:
Section 1 . That Chapter 19 .40 entitled "Industrial
Districts" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding to the
list of permitted uses under Subsection 19 . 40 . 330A the
following:
1 . Adult entertainment establishment"
[SR] [UNCL] , subject to the following conditions :
A. Distancing Requirements . An "adult
entertainment establishment" [SR] shall not be
located less than 1000 feet from a Preservation
District, Residence Conservation District,
Residence District, or Community Facility
District, nor less than 1000 feet from any
"apartment dwelling" [SR] , "dwelling" [SR] ,
"day care service, home child" [SR] , "day care
service, institutional child" [SR] , "public
park" [SR] , school, place of worship or
playground.
B. Dispersion. An "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] shall not be located less
than 1000 feet from another "adult
entertainment establishment" [SR] .
C. Measurement. The distance
limitations in subsection (A) shall be measured
in a straight line from the main public
entrance of the "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] to the nearest zoning
district boundary of a Preservation District,
Residence Conservation District, Residence
District, or Community Facility District, or to
the nearest property line of the premises of
any "apartment dwelling" [SR] , "dwelling" [SR] ,
"day care service, home child" [SR] , "day care
service, institutional child" [SR] , "public
park" [SR] , school, place of worship or
playground. The distance limitation in
subsection (B) shall be measured in a straight
line from the closest exterior structural wall
of each "adult entertainment establishment"
[SR] .
D. Amortization of Existing Uses . Any
"adult entertainment establishment" [SR]
lawfully existing at the adoption of this
ordinance shall apply to the Department of Code
Administration and Neighborhood Affairs for a
Certificate of Non-Conforming Adult
Entertainment Establishment within forty-five
(45) days of the effective date of this
ordinance. An "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] that has received a
Certificate of Non-Conforming Adult
Entertainment Establishment shall be
discontinued and cease within a period of one
( 1) year from the effective date of this
ordinance. An "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] lawfully existing at the
adoption of this ordinance that fails to apply
to the Department of Code Administration and
Neighborhood Affairs for a Certificate of
Non-Conforming Adult Entertainment
Establishment within forty-five (45 ) days of
the effective date of this ordinance shall
constitute an unlawful "nonconforming use" [SR] .
Section 2 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations"" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 ,
as amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 Adult Entertainment Establishment.
A business having as its substantial or
significant business purpose the offering to the
public or its members a product or service including
but not limited to, entertainment, intended to
provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification,
and which product or service is distinguished or
characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual
activities " [SR] or "specified anatomical areas"
[SR] , including, but not limited to, the following
uses :
1 . "Adult Arcade" [SR]
2 . "Adult Book or Adult Video Store" [SR]
3 . "Adult Cabaret" [SR]
4 . "Adult Merchandise Retailer" [SR]
5 . "Adult Motion Picture Theater" [SR]
6 . "Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater" [SR]
The term "adult entertainment establishment" [SR]
shall not be construed to include ( 1) any business
operated by or employing licensed psychologists,
licensed physical therapists, licensed athletic
trainers, licensed cosmetologists, or licensed
barbers performing functions authorized under the
licenses held, ( 2 ) any business operated by or
employing licensed physicians or licensed healing
arts, or ( 3) any retail establishment whose primary
business is the offering of wearing apparel for sale
to its customers .
Section 3 . That Chapter 19 .90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 1 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 1 Adult Arcade.
An establishment to which the public or its
members are permitted or invited to ( 1) view or
participate in live performances characterized by
the exposure of "specified anatomical areas" [SR] or
by specified sexual activities" [SR] , or; (2 ) view
still or moving images distinguished or
characterized by the depicting or describing of
"specified anatomical areas" [SR] or by "specified
sexual activities" [SR] , all through the use of
coin-operated or electronically, electrically, or
mechanically controlled devices to display the live
performance or the images, to five or fewer persons
per machine at any one time.
Section 4 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 .2 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 2 Adult Book or Adult Video Store.
An establishment having as a substantial or
significant portion of its stock-in-trade for sale,
rent, lease, inspection or viewing, books, magazines
and periodicals, films, motion pictures, video
cassettes, slides, or other photographic
reproductions, all of which are distinguished or
characterized by their emphasis on material
depicting, describing or relating to "specified
sexual activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical
areas" [SR] , unless demonstrated that either:
A. Revenue from the sale, lease, inspection,
viewing or rental of the matter depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual
activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical areas"
[SR] comprises no more than fifty percent of the
gross revenue from the sale and/or rental of all
goods at the establishment, or;
B. The matter depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" [SR] or
"specified anatomical areas" [SR] comprises no more
than thirty-five percent of the items displayed in
the establishment as stock-in-trade.
Section 5 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 3 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 3 Adult Cabaret.
A public or private nightclub, bar, restaurant,
or similar commercial establishment which regularly
features either ( 1) persons appearing in a state of
nudity or partial nudity, (2) live performances
distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on
material depicting, describing or relating to
"specified sexual activities" [SR] or "specified
anatomical areas" [SR] , or ( 3) films, motion
pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other
photographic reproductions which are distinguished
or characterized by their emphasis on material
depicting, describing or relating to "specified
sexual activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical
areas" [SR] .
Section 6 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90. 046 . 4 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 4 Adult Merchandise Retailer.
A retail establishment deriving more than fifty
percent of its gross revenue from the sale of
merchandise designed or marketed for use in
conjunction with "specified sexual activities" [SR] .
Section 7 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 5 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 5 Adult Motion Picture Theater.
An enclosed building, or an area within a
building, having a capacity of fifty (50) or more
persons, and used regularly and routinely for
presenting motion picture films, video cassettes,
cable television, and/or any such visual media, all
of which are distinguished or characterized by their
emphasis on material depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" [SR] or
"specified anatomical areas" [SR] to its patrons .
Section 8 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 6 to read as follows :
19 . 90. 046 . 6 Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater.
An enclosed building, or an area within a
building, having a capacity for less than fifty ( 50)
or more persons, and used regularly and routinely
for presenting motion picture films, video
cassettes, cable television, and/or any such visual
media, all of which are distinguished or
characterized by their emphasis on material
depicting, describing or relating to "specified
sexual activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical
areas" [SR] to its patrons .
Section 9 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 7 to read as follows:
19 . 90 . 046 . 7 Specified Anatomical Areas .
Less than completely and opaquely covered human
genitals, pubic region, buttocks, and female breast
below a point immediately above the top of the
areola; human male genitals in a discernible turgid
state, even if opaquely covered.
Section 10 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 8 to read as follows :
19 . 90. 046 . 8 Specified Sexual Activities .
Simulated or actual ( 1) showing of human
genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or
arousal, (2 ) acts of masturbation, sexual
intercourse, sodomy, bestiality, necrophilia,
sadomasochistic abuse, fellatio or cunnilingus,
( 3) fondling or erotic touching of human genitals,
pubic region, buttock or female breasts .
Section 11 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are
hereby repealed.
Section 12 . That the provisions of this ordinance are
severable, and the invalidity of any section, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or provision of this ordinance shall not
affect the validity or effectiveness of the remainder of the
ordinance.
Section 13 . That this ordinance shall be in full force
and effect after its passage and publication in the manner
provided by law.
s/ Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: November 8, 1995
Passed: November 8, 1995
Omnibus Vote: Yeas 6 Nays 0
Recorded: November 9, 1995
Published: November 9, 1995
Attest:
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
01—\
October 6, 1995
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
FROM: Erwin W. Jentsch, Corporation Counsel
SUBJECT: Adult Business Uses
A review of the Planning and Development Commission' s Findings
of Fact Regarding Proposed Adult Use Amendments to the Elgin
zoning ordinance has identified several areas of concern.
Following is a synopsis of those concerns with recommendations
for reducing potential legal challenges to an ordinance based
upon such amendments to the zoning ordinance.
DEFINITION OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT USE
"Adult Entertainment Use" is defined as "[a]n establishment
distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter
depicting, describing, or relating to sexual activities or
anatomical genital areas, including but not limited to the
following [establishments] (emphasis added) . " The
ordinance then proceeds to list five primary examples of adult
uses, including "adult bookstore", "adult cabaret" , "adult
mini-motion picture theater" , adult motion picture theater"
and "other adult entertainment use. "
The proposed amendment 's failure to define "sexual activities"
and "anatomical genital area" may subject the ordinance to an
attack that it is unconstitutionally vague and overbroad. For
example, a medical bookstore stocking medical and psychiatric
books dealing with sex and/or anatomy would fall under the
"adult entertainment use" definition because of its emphasis
on matter relating to sexual activities and/or anatomical
genital areas . The U. S . Supreme Court held that bookstore
items are pure speech, and any regulation of them must be
narrowly tailored to achieve the ordinance 's stated purpose.
Recommendation: The terms "sexual activities" and "anatomical
genital areas" should be defined with specificity sufficient
to sustain a constitutional challenge and incorporated within
the Elgin zoning ordinance as part of the section defining
adult uses or as supplemental regulations .
Adult Bookstore. Another concern centers on the definition of
"Adult Bookstore, " one of the five adult entertainment uses .
In its current form, neighborhood video rental stores renting
adult films as a portion of their business would be deemed
adult bookstores because a "substantial" or "significant
portion" of their business is derived from matter relating to
Mayor and Members of City Council 2 October 6, 1995
sexual activities . Published reports indicate that adult film
rental can account for as much as thirty percent of a video
rental store's revenue and without providing a definition of
"substantial" and "significant portion", one could arguably
assert thirty percent constitutes a substantial or significant
portion of the store's stock-in-trade.
The Planning and Development Commission recognized this
concern and suggested language to counter the unintended
effect . That language, however, appears insufficient to
provide the protection for neighborhood video rental stores .
Recommendation: Language should be included in the ordinance
which would exempt neighborhood video rental stores on the
basis of a fixed percentage of stock and/or revenue of an
adult nature. In essence, neighborhood video rental stores '
stock and or sales of adult films would be limited to a fixed
percentage; if that percentage was exceeded, the store would
be deemed an adult bookstore. As you are aware the city has
for many years regulated material which is harmful to minors .
Adult Cabaret. Finally, be mindful that the definition of
"Adult Cabaret" , another of the five defined adult
entertainment uses, may not apply to shows or entertainment in
which females wore G-strings, pasties, or lingerie. However
other measures regulating such actions are being developed for
your consideration.
DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS AND DISPERSION PROVISION
The proposed amendment prohibits an adult use from locating
less than 1000 feet from schools, churches, playgrounds, etc.
(distancing) , and from locating less than 1000 feet from
another adult use (dispersion) . The Planning and Development
Commission has recommended distancing and dispersion
provisions greater than 1000 feet.
The U.S . Supreme Court and other federal courts have upheld
the constitutionality of 1000-foot distancing and dispersion
requirements . Requiring distances greater than 1000 feet may
subject the ordinance to a constitutional challenge and opens
the door to another problem. To sustain a challenge to its
distancing and dispersion requirements, a city must be able to
show there is ample area within the permissible zoning to
establish an adult use . The Planning Department is currently
calculating the percentage of area within the city that will
permit adult uses . However, that area has the potential of
being seriously reduced in area because the distancing and/or
dispersion requirements may limit adult uses to only a handful
of parcels . Although that result is desirable, it may not be
constitutional since the ordinance must provide adequate
potential sites for such uses .
Mayor and Members of City Council 3 October 6, 1995
Recommendation: The distancing and dispersion provisions
should remain at 1000 feet.
Use Traditionally Patronized by Minors. On a related note,
the Planning and Development Commission has recommended
language be added to the distancing provision prohibiting an
adult use from locating within 1000 feet of a "use
traditionally patronized by minors . " This definition is vague
and overbroad and will not survive a constitutional attack.
Recommendation: Specific establishments contemplated by the
Planning and Development Commission should be identified and
reviewed to determine whether they are appropriate for the
regulation proposed.
AMORTIZATION OF EXISTING USES
Although it does not appear an adult use, as defined under the
amendment, is existing at this time, it would be prudent to
include a provision for the amortization of existing adult
uses in the event such an establishment was discovered after
the ordinance' s enactment. This would prevent the existing
adult use from being "grandfathered" under the pre-adult use
zoning ordinance. Federal courts are divided on the issue,
but a one-year amortization period would likely pass
constitutional muster.
Recommendation: Provide a one-year amortization period for
existing adult entertainment uses .
REFERENCE TO OTHER STUDIES REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF ADULT
BUSINESS USES ON A COMMUNITY
The basis for regulation of adult business uses is the
secondary effect of such uses on surrounding properties .
Studies conducted in other communities have concluded that
such uses have a deleterious, depreciating effect upon
surrounding properties and neighborhoods . Such communities
have included Austin, Texas, Indianapolis, Indiana,
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, and Phoenix, Arizona. In the
event that you are interested in reading any or all of the
studies in their entirety, please stop in the legal
department. The leading cases for use of a municipalities
zoning power to regulate adult business uses by concentrating
such uses are Renton v. Playtime Theatres, Inc . , 106 S .Ct. 925
( 1986 ) and County of Cook v. Renaissance Arcade and Bookstore,
122 I11 . 2d 123 ( 1988) . These opinions provide a comprehensive
discussion of local government's regulation, through zoning,
of adult business uses . Attached are copies for your file.
Recommendation: Incorporate a reference to other studies
establishing the negative effects of adult business uses on
surrounding neighborhoods in any ordinance.
-71.11
Mayor and Members of City Council 4 October 6, 1995
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT AS A CONDITIONAL USE
Classifying adult entertainment uses as a conditional use
opens the door to a heightened level of judicial scrutiny in
which the city is at a distinct disadvantage. Adult
entertainment is characterized as expressive speech under the
First Amendment. Requiring prior approval--in this instance
obtaining a conditional use permit--before exercising that
speech constitutes an unconstitutional prior restraint on
speech. That is not to say that classifying adult
entertainment uses as a conditional use cannot be done.
However, if that method is chosen, the city will have to
create detailed guidelines that would ( 1 ) result in a decision
to award or deny the use in the shortest possible time frame,
(2) create a swift avenue for judicial review, and (3) limit
the preservation of the status quo (denial of the conditional
use) to the shortest time period. The reality of the matter
is that the hearing process for obtaining a conditional use
will likely be found too lengthy and therefore be deemed an
unconstitutional prior restraint on speech.
Recommendation: Create a licensing scheme for adult use
operators in which disreputable licensees would be identified
and denied licenses .
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT USE LICENSING
A comprehensive licensing scheme for adult entertainment uses
should be created and codified separately from the Elgin
zoning ordinance; recommendations for this purpose will follow.
INCORPORATING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NATIONAL LAW CENTER
FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
The city cannot unequivocally commit to adopting any
regulations suggested by the National Law Center for Children
and Families but review of such recommendations will be made
and the council advised of any appropriate actions which the
council should consider.
If you have any questions concerning these issues or any
others, please contact me.
EWJ
nr
Attachments
j
lir
September 15, 1995
MEMORANDUM
TO: Roger K. Dahlstrom, Planning Director
FROM: Erwin W. Jentsch, Corporation Counsel
SUBJECT: Adult Use Text Amendment
You have advised that during the public hearing on the
proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance to provide for
adult entertainment uses, that some participants have
suggested that the text should be amended to prohibit adult
entertainment uses and address such legal challenges as may
arise thereafter. An examination of opinions of reviewing
courts clearly indicates that such a prohibition would be
futile and that such action would result not only in a
determination of the invalidity of the prohibition but would
also subject the city to the payment of damages, attorneys
fees and costs .
In 1981, the United States Supreme Court reviewed an ordinance
which prohibited any use not expressly permitted by the zoning
ordinance. Operators of an adult book store had been found
guilty by a municipal court of violating the zoning ordinance
by introducing a coin operated mechanism which permitted the
customer to watch a live dancer, usually nude, perform behind
a glass panel . The zoning ordinance was construed by New
Jersey courts to prohibit live entertainment, including nude
dancing. The court held that by excluding live entertainment
the zoning ordinance prohibited a wide range of expression
that had long been held to be within the protections of the
first and fourteenth amendments to the United States
constitution. Entertainment, as well as political and
ideological speech, is protected; motion pictures, programs
broadcast by radio and television, and live entertainment such
as musical and dramatic works fall within the first amendment
guarantee. (citing cases) An entertainment program may not be
prohibited solely because it displays the nude human figure.
Nudity alone does not place otherwise protected material
outside the mantel of the first amendment. (citing cases ) See
Schad v. Borough of Mount Ephraim, 101 S .Ct. 2176 ( 1981) . Of
course, obscene performances are not protected by the
constitution and are prohibited by the Illinois Criminal Code.
Since the decision in Schad v. Borough of Mount Ephraim, a
flood of cases have been litigated in state and federal
reviewing courts concerning attempts by local government to
regulate or restrict adult uses . . Although Schad v. Borough
of Mount Ephraim clearly indicates that a total prohibition of
adult uses may not be established, the Supreme Court has
4.
Roger K. Dahlstrom -2- September 15, 1995
indicated that a municipality may restrict the location of
such uses so as to minimize or prevent the secondary effects
of such uses on surrounding property as long as a reasonable
alternative means of expression is provided. See City of
Renton v. Playtime Theaters, Inc . , 475 U.S . 41 ( 1986 ) . Most
cases since 1986 have concerned challenges to local government
attempts to follow the Renton court ' s holding.
In the event that the city chose to prohibit adult uses
entirely and to litigate the validity of its ordinance, it
appears clear that it would fail and that the ordinance would
be declared unconstitutional . Such an attack would be brought
under federal civil rights statutes which provide that in
addition to damages, a successful plaintiff is also entitled
to an award of attorney' s fees and its costs in pursuing its
claim. Even where minimal damages are awarded, attorney' s
fees can be substantial .
Should you require further information or advice, please
advise.
WJ
nr
SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS TO ELGIN ZONING ORDINANCE
REGULATING SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
FINDINGS
The ordinance ' s preamble contains eleven findings regarding
the secondary effects sexually oriented businesses have on
communities . The findings must be recited if the ordinance is
to withstand a constitutional challenge made by a person or
corporation seeking to operate an adult entertainment
establishment at a location not located within a GI District .
The findings make reference to quantitative studies conducted
by other municipalities which provide evidence of the
secondary effects sexually oriented businesses have on a
community. The findings cite increased crime, blight, lowered
property values and dangers to children as some of the
secondary effects . The findings also make reference to U. S .
Supreme Court and Illinois Supreme Court decisions that were
reviewed when drafting the ordinance.
TEXT AMENDMENTS
"Adult entertainment establishment" is created and defined as
a permitted use under the Elgin Zoning Ordinance in the
General Industrial (GI ) District subject to two conditions .
First, the adult entertainment establishment must not be
located less than 1000 feet from any home, apartment building,
day care facility, park, school, place of worship or
playground. And secondly, an adult entertainment
establishment cannot be located less than 1000 feet from
another adult entertainment establishment . Any adult
entertainment establishment existing on the date of the
ordinance ' s adoption that is not located in a GI District must
discontinue its use within one year.
SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS
The term "adult entertainment establishment" is defined along
with definitions for six distinct adult entertainment
establishments : adult arcades, adult book and/or video
stores , adult cabarets , adult merchandise retailers, adult
motion picture theaters, and adult mini-motion picture
theaters . "Adult entertainment establishment" has been
defined so as to exclude "neighborhood video stores" and movie
theaters that do not exclusively or primarily show what is
commonly known as "X-rated" films .
OBSCENITY
No provision in the proposed ordinance can be construed as
permitting an adult entertainment establishment to deal in
sexually oriented materials that are deemed obscene .
a
Ordinance No. G82-95
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 19 , ENTITLED "ZONING" OF THE
ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, 1976 , AS AMENDED, TO REGULATE
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
WHEREAS, written application has been made to amend the
zoning ordinance to regulate sexually oriented businesses ; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Commission
conducted a public hearing concerning the proposed amendment
after due notice in the manner provided by law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Commission has
submitted its written findings and recommendation that the
requested amendment be granted; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Elgin, Illinois ,
concurs in the findings and recommendations of the Planning
and Development Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Attorney General, in a report
dated 6 June 1989 , entitled "Report of the Attorney Generals '
Working Group on the Regulation of Sexually Oriented
Businesses" reviewed various studies conducted throughout the
nation regarding the impact of adult uses , including the
following:
1 . A 1980 study completed by the Minneapolis Crime
Prevention Center which determined that there was a strong
relationship between sexually oriented businesses and the
crime rates including robbery, burglary, rape, and assault; and
2 . A 1984 study conducted by the City of Indianapolis,
Indiana, titled "Adult Entertainment Business in Indianapolis"
found that areas where sexually oriented businesses are
located had higher crime rates, including a seventy-seven
percent higher crime rate for sex related crimes, including
rape, indecent exposure and child molestation, than similar
areas where no sexually oriented businesses were located; and
3 . A 1979 study prepared by the Planning Department of
the City of Phoenix, Arizona, titled "Relation of Criminal
Activity and Adult Businesses" showed that arrests for sexual
crimes and the location of sexually oriented businesses were
directly related; and
WHEREAS, the studies performed by the various cities
provide convincing documented evidence that sexually oriented
businesses have a deleterious effect on both the surrounding
businesses and adjacent residential areas , causing among other
adverse secondary effects , increased crime and a lowering of
property values ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds there would be a
deterioration in the character of operating in and around
sexually oriented businesses ; and
WHEREAS, increased crime and unhealthful conduct tend to
accompany, concentrate around and be aggravated by sexually
oriented businesses, including but not limited to
prostitution, pandering, exposing minors to harmful materials ,
possession and distribution of obscene materials and child
pornography, possession and sale of controlled substances and
violent crimes against person and property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the decision of
the United States Supreme Court regarding the local regulation
of sexually oriented businesses, including but not limited to
Young v. American Mini-Theaters, Inc . , 427 U.S . 50 ( 1976 ) ;
Renton v. Playtime Theatres , 475 U. S . 41 ( 1986 ) ; FW/PBS,
Inc . v. Dallas, 493 U. S . 215 ( 1990) ; Barnes v. Glen Theatre,
501 U. S . 560 ( 1991 ) ; and the U.S . Court of Appeals decision in
Topanga Press , Inc . v. City of Los Angeles , 939 F. 2d 1524
( 1993 ) ; and the Illinois Supreme Court decision in County of
Cook v. Renaissance Arcade and Bookstore, 122 I11 .2d 123
( 1988) ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to minimize and control
these adverse secondary effects and thereby protect the
health, safety, and welfare of the residents ; protect the
residents from increased crime; preserve the qualify of life;
preserve the property values and the character of surrounding
neighborhoods and businesses and, deter the spread of urban
blight; and
WHEREAS, the reasonable regulation of sexually oriented
businesses will provide for the protection of property values
and will protect city residents and persons who work within
the city from the adverse effects of sexually oriented
businesses while providing those who desire to patronize
sexually oriented businesses a reasonable opportunity to do so
in appropriate areas .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That Chapter 19 . 40 entitled "Industrial
Districts" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding to the
list of permitted uses under Subsection 19 . 40 . 330A the
following:
1 . Adult entertainment establishment"
[SR] [UNCL] , subject to the following conditions :
A. Distancing Requirements . An "adult
entertainment establishment" [SR] shall not be
located less than 1000 feet from a Preservation
District, Residence Conservation District,
Residence District, or Community Facility
District, nor less than 1000 feet from any
"apartment dwelling" [SR] , "dwelling" [SR] ,
"day care service, home child" [SR] , "day care
service, institutional child" [SR] , "public
park" [SR] , school, place of worship or
playground.
B. Dispersion. An "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] shall not be located less
than 1000 feet from another "adult
entertainment establishment" [SR] .
C. Measurement. The distance
limitations in subsection (A) shall be measured
in a straight line from the main public
entrance of the "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] to the nearest zoning
district boundary of a Preservation District,
Residence Conservation District, Residence
District, or Community Facility District, or to
the nearest property line of the premises of
any "apartment dwelling" [SR] , "dwelling" [SR] ,
"day care service, home child" [SR] , "day care
service, institutional child" [SR] , "public
park" [SR] , school, place of worship or
playground. The distance limitation in
subsection (B) shall be measured in a straight
line from the closest exterior structural wall
of each "adult entertainment establishment"
[SR] .
D. Amortization of Existing Uses . Any
"adult entertainment establishment" [SR]
lawfully existing at the adoption of this
ordinance shall apply to the Department of Code
Administration and Neighborhood Affairs for a
Certificate of Non-Conforming Adult
Entertainment Establishment within forty-five
(45) days of the effective date of this
ordinance. An "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] that has received a
Certificate of Non-Conforming Adult
Entertainment Establishment shall be
discontinued and cease within a period of one
( 1) year from the effective date of this
ordinance. An "adult entertainment
establishment" [SR] lawfully existing at the
adoption of this ordinance that fails to apply
to the Department of Code Administration and
Neighborhood Affairs for a Certificate of
Non-Conforming Adult Entertainment
Establishment within forty-five (45) days of
the effective date of this ordinance shall
constitute an unlawful "nonconforming use" [SR] .
Section 2 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations"" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976,
as amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 .90 . 046 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 Adult Entertainment Establishment.
A business having as its substantial or
significant business purpose the offering to the
public or its members a product or service including
but not limited to, entertainment, intended to
provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification,
and which product or service is distinguished or
characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual
activities " [SR] or "specified anatomical areas"
[SR] , including, but not limited to, the following
uses :
1 . "Adult Arcade" [SR]
2 . "Adult Book or Adult Video Store" [SR]
3 . "Adult Cabaret" [SR]
4 . "Adult Merchandise Retailer" [SR]
5 . "Adult Motion Picture Theater" [SR]
6 . "Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater" [SR]
The term "adult entertainment establishment" [SR]
shall not be construed to include ( 1) any business
operated by or employing licensed psychologists,
licensed physical therapists, licensed athletic
trainers, licensed cosmetologists, or licensed
barbers performing functions authorized under the
licenses held, (2) any business operated by or
employing licensed physicians or licensed healing
arts, or ( 3) any retail establishment whose primary
business is the offering of wearing apparel for sale
to its customers .
Section 3 . That Chapter 19 .90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 1 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 1 Adult Arcade.
An establishment to which the public or its
members are permitted or invited to ( 1) view or
participate in live performances characterized by
the exposure of "specified anatomical areas" [SR] or
by specified sexual activities" [SR] , or; (2 ) view
still or moving images distinguished or
characterized by the depicting or describing of
"specified anatomical areas" [SR] or by "specified
sexual activities" [SR] , all through the use of
coin-operated or electronically, electrically, or
mechanically controlled devices to display the live
performance or the images, to five or fewer persons
per machine at any one time.
Section 4 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 2 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 2 Adult Book or Adult Video Store.
An establishment having as a substantial or
significant portion of its stock-in-trade for sale,
rent, lease, inspection or viewing, books, magazines
and periodicals , films, motion pictures, video
cassettes , slides , or other photographic
reproductions, all of which are distinguished or
characterized by their emphasis on material
depicting, describing or relating to "specified
sexual activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical
areas" [SR] , unless demonstrated that either:
A. Revenue from the sale, lease, inspection,
viewing or rental of the matter depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual
activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical areas"
[SR] comprises no more than fifty percent of the
gross revenue from the sale and/or rental of all
goods at the establishment, or;
B. The matter depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" [SR] or
"specified anatomical areas" [SR] comprises no more
than thirty-five percent of the items displayed in
the establishment as stock-in-trade.
Section 5 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 3 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 3 Adult Cabaret.
A public or private nightclub, bar, restaurant,
or similar commercial establishment which regularly
features either ( 1 ) persons appearing in a state of
nudity or partial nudity, ( 2 ) live performances
distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on
material depicting, describing or relating to
"specified sexual activities" [SR] or "specified
anatomical areas" [SR] , or ( 3 ) films, motion
pictures , video cassettes, slides, or other
photographic reproductions which are distinguished
or characterized by their emphasis on material
depicting, describing or relating to "specified
sexual activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical
areas" [SR] .
Section 6 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 4 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 4 Adult Merchandise Retailer.
A retail establishment deriving more than fifty
percent of its gross revenue from the sale of
merchandise designed or marketed for use in
conjunction with "specified sexual activities" [SR] .
Section 7 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 5 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 5 Adult Motion Picture Theater.
An enclosed building, or an area within a
building, having a capacity of fifty ( 50) or more
persons , and used regularly and routinely for
presenting motion picture films , video cassettes,
cable television, and/or any such visual media, all
of which are distinguished or characterized by their
emphasis on material depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" [SR] or
"specified anatomical areas" [SR] to its patrons .
Section 8 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 6 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 6 Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater.
An enclosed building, or an area within a
building, having a capacity for less than fifty ( 50 )
or more persons, and used regularly and routinely
for presenting motion picture films, video
cassettes , cable television, and/or any such visual
media, all of which are distinguished or
characterized by their emphasis on material
depicting, describing or relating to "specified
sexual activities" [SR] or "specified anatomical
areas" [SR] to its patrons .
Section 9 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 7 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 7 Specified Anatomical Areas .
Less than completely and opaquely covered human
genitals, pubic region, buttocks , and female breast
below a point immediately above the top of the
areola; human male genitals in a discernible turgid
state, even if opaquely covered.
Section 10 . That Chapter 19 . 90 entitled "Supplementary
Regulations" of Title 19 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as
amended, be and is hereby further amended by adding Section
19 . 90 . 046 . 8 to read as follows :
19 . 90 . 046 . 8 Specified Sexual Activities .
Simulated or actual ( 1 ) showing of human
genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or
arousal, ( 2 ) acts of masturbation, sexual
intercourse, sodomy, bestiality, necrophilia,
sadomasochistic abuse, fellatio or cunnilingus ,
( 3) fondling or erotic touching of human genitals,
pubic region, buttock or female breasts .
Section 11 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are
hereby repealed.
Section 12 . That the provisions of this ordinance are
severable, and the invalidity of any section, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or provision of this ordinance shall not
affect the validity or effectiveness of the remainder of the
ordinance .
Section 13 . That this ordinance shall be in full force
and effect after its passage and publication in the manner
provided by law.
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: November 8, 1995
Adopted:
Vote : Yeas Nays
Recorded:
Attest :
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk