SIMI VALLEY : Adult Entertainment Restrictions Adopted

The Simi Valley City Council tentatively approved a new ordinance Monday that restricts where adult entertainment businesses can operate in the city.

City officials moved quickly to finish the ordinance after residents complained this year about a Las Vegas businessman’s plan to open a local nightclub featuring nude dancing. Citing the community’s opposition, the businessman recently abandoned his proposal.

If the new adult entertainment measure receives final approval next week, it will become law June 3.

The ordinance prohibits sexually oriented bookstores, movie theaters, nightclubs and related businesses from opening near a residential area, a youth-oriented business, a school, a park or a place of worship. In addition, two adult businesses could not open within 1,000 feet of one another.

During a public hearing on the proposed law Monday, several residents told the council the law should be even more restrictive. But council members said a citywide ban on adult businesses would be unconstitutional.

“We are trying to make this ordinance as rigid as we can but still be able to withstand the scrutiny of a court case,” Councilman Bill Davis said.

No adult entertainment businesses operate now in Simi Valley.