New Rules Adopted to Restrict Sex Shops

Camarillo City Council members have unanimously approved more restrictive conditions in an 18-year-old law that regulates sex-related businesses.

The amendments are designed to make it more difficult or unprofitable to operate adult-oriented businesses such as strip clubs or X-rated bookstores. There are currently none in Camarillo.

City officials began updating the ordinance last year following a series of court rulings that uphold the legality of such businesses.

In the meantime, officials enacted a temporary moratorium on sex-related stores or clubs.

“I’m really sorry we can’t continue under the temporary ban,” Councilwoman Charlotte Craven said before restrictions were approved late Wednesday.

“I think we all feel that way,” Councilman Stanley J. Daily said.

Although there are no applications for strip clubs or adult bookstores pending before city officials, council members said they feel the city should protect itself should someone apply to launch such a business.

The amendments allow city officials to more strictly regulate where and how adult businesses operate.

Under the revised law, among other things, sex-related businesses cannot be located within 500 feet of one another or nearer than 1,000 feet to a school or residence.

“It was the desire of the city to establish the most stringent standards possible,” Planning Director Matthew A. Boden said in his report to the council.