Plans for a proposed strip club were derailed Monday when the City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on licensing strip clubs.
The council approved the proposal at the urging of Councilman Steve Haderlein after it had been seeking to pass a 45-day ordinance that would prohibit live nude dancing in the city as well as a measure that would make permanent changes to the city’s zoning code to restrict strip clubs.
The council said it would use the time to study the Planning Commission’s recommendations which endorse implementing strict new zoning regulations that would include a 500-foot setback from residential zones, making it impossible for the club to operate at its proposed location where a Shakey’s restaurant operated, at 2180 E. Foothill Blvd.
Roger Diamond, who represents the proposed club’s owner, said the council’s action was unconstitutional. He argued that the council told a federal judge in 2003 that the city had several locations that could be used for adult entertainment, including the Shakey’s location.
Diamond told the council that the city could have its zoning code overturned if it doesn’t comply with what officials said to the judge.
An estimated 3,500 people signed petitions asking for more restrictive zoning laws to stop the club from moving into the area.
But Diamond said he would file a business license application with the city despite the moratorium to force Pasadena to review it. Diamond added that he would sue the city if the application was not reviewed.
