SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. - Local supervisors have drafted a zoning ordinance that would limit adult business to a predetermined industrial zone in the city. Supervisors sent the draft ordinance to the Planning Commission for review on a 7-0 vote.
According to a recent report in the Free Lance Star, the amendment to the zoning ordinance, drafted by Deputy County Attorney James R. Benkahla, states that an adult-oriented business is considered to be any business with 25 percent of its stock or trade adult-based.
Among the details of the proposed ordinance are restrictions on outdoor signs advertising adult businesses, said businesses’ distance from residential districts and operational hour limits of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Current adult-oriented businesses in the area would be exempt.
Benkahla told the Free Lance Star that he feels the ordinance is "pretty well crafted."
However, County Attorney Jacob Stroman cautioned that they cannot attempt to prohibit adult business completely, it would be a violation of freedom of speech. "We would be sued and we would lose," he said.
Stroman told the Free Lance Star that the ordinance is only “a protective measure.”
According to the report, public hearings on the ordinance will now be scheduled at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors levels.
