DATE: March 6, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Getting Tough on Adult Entertainment Establishments

SUMMARY:
Overview
The public has a right to know when an adult entertainment establishment is proposed for a location in their community. The current process for the siting of Adult Entertainment Establishments precludes public input and notification. Under the County’s current Adult Entertainment Establishment ordinance, there is no notification required during the permitting process for this use. Further, there is no public hearing process where those potentially impacted can voice concerns regarding the findings and decisions the County makes on a proposed Adult Entertainment Establishment. Deficiencies in the current ordinance must be corrected, and all additional measures should be explored and implemented to give the highest level of protection to unincorporated citizens from the adverse impacts of Adult Entertainment Establishments.

Recommendations
SUPERVISORS DIANNE JACOB & BILL HORN:
1. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to draft an amendment to the current County regulations pertaining to Adult Entertainment Establishments, requiring a Major Use Permit in the place of an Administrative Permit and bring it back to the Board of Supervisors within 30 days.

2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with legal counsel to draft the most restrictive ordinance, along with other applicable regulations, pertaining to Adult Entertainment Establishments within the requirements of the law.

Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact related to this proposal.

Advisory Board Statement
N/A

BACKGROUND:
The public has a right to know when an adult entertainment establishment is proposed for a location in their community. The current process for the siting of Adult Entertainment Establishments precludes public input and notification. Under the County’s current Adult Entertainment Establishment ordinance, there is no notification required during the permitting process for this use. Further, there is no public hearing process where those potentially impacted can voice concerns regarding the findings and decisions the County makes on a proposed Adult Entertainment Establishment. Deficiencies in the current ordinance must be corrected, and all additional measures should be explored and implemented to give the highest level of protection to unincorporated citizens from the adverse impacts of Adult Entertainment Establishments.

The addition of a Major Use Permit will ensure public notification and an open, public process for proposed Adult Entertainment Establishments. After all, crematoriums, cemeteries, nudist facilities, and in many cases even churches require a Major Use Permit!

The County must protect its citizens by creating the most restrictive ordinance possible within the boundaries of the law. While the Major Use Permit will allow for public input, the County must do everything within its authority to minimize the adverse impacts caused by Adult Entertainment Establishments. Rewriting the current ordinance will further protect unincorporated citizens.

We urge your support.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District

BILL HORN
Supervisor, Fifth District