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Chapter 9.14 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS

Paradise Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Paradise

9.14.010 - Purpose.

A.

It has been demonstrated that various forms of adult businesses, as defined in Section 9.14.020, possess certain objectionable operational characteristics which can have a deleterious effect upon neighboring land uses and on areas in close proximity thereto.

B.

It has also been demonstrated that locating certain adult entertainment businesses in the vicinity of facilities frequented by minors, exposes minors to adult materials, which because of the minors' immaturity may adversely affect them.

C.

In addition, it is recognized that certain adult entertainment facilities can be detrimental to residential neighborhood areas and can, if not properly controlled and regulated, result in the deterioration of existing businesses in commercial areas that are the subject of current revitalization efforts, will adversely affect such efforts by discouraging new businesses from locating in such areas and will, in addition, adversely affect the rehabilitation of existing commercial business within those areas.

D.

Regulation, therefore, of adult businesses is necessary from a land use standpoint to insure that the adverse effects of such uses will not contribute to the blighting, deterioration or the downgrading of surrounding neighborhoods or the efforts to revitalize existing commercial areas within the incorporated area of the town.

E.

The purpose and intent of the town council by enacting this chapter to prohibit the establishment of any use which qualifies as an adult entertainment business, as defined in Section 9.14.020, in the incorporated area of the town, except within the established I-S industrial service district.

F.

It is the objective of the town council, by this chapter, to prohibit any such adult entertainment business from being established which may be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 178 §3(E), 1988;

Ord. 100 §1, 1983)

9.14.020 - Definitions.

Unless otherwise specifically provided, or required by the context, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this section for the purposes of this chapter.

A.

"Adult entertainment businesses" are defined as follows:

"Adult bookstore" is an establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade, books, magazines and other periodicals which are distinguished or characteristic by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas" or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale or display of such materials.

"Adult hotel or motel" means a hotel or motel wherein material is regularly presented which has as its dominant or predominant theme the depiction or description of "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical activities."

"Adult mini-motion picture theater" means an enclosed building with a capacity of less than fifty persons used for presenting a preponderance of films whose dominant or predominant character and theme is the depiction or description of "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."

"Adult motion picture arcade" means any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin- operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the preponderance of images displayed have as their dominant or predominant theme the depiction or description of "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."

"Adult motion picture theater" means an enclosed building with a capacity of fifty or more persons used for presenting a preponderance of films whose dominant or predominant character and theme is the depiction or description of "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."

"Cabaret" means a nightclub, theater or other establishment which features live performance by topless and/or bottomless dancers, strippers or similar entertainers, where the dominant or predominant character

or theme of such performances is the depiction or description of "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."

"Massage parlor" means any place where for any form of consideration of gratuity, massage, alcohol rub, administration of fomentations, electric or magnetic treatments, or any other treatment or manipulation of the human body occurs as part of or in connection with "specified sexual activities" or where any person providing such treatment, manipulation or service related thereto exposes "specified anatomical areas."

"Model studio" means any business where, for any form of consideration or gratuity, figure models who display "specified anatomical areas" are provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed or similarly depicted by persons paying the consideration or gratuity.

"Other adult entertainment businesses" means any other business or establishment which offers its patrons services or entertainment whose dominant or predominant character and theme is the performance of "specified sexual activities" or depiction of "specified anatomical areas."

"Sexual encounter center" means any business, agency or person who, for any form of consideration or gratuity, provides a place where three or more persons, not all members of the same family, may congregate, assemble or associate for the purpose of engaging in "specified sexual activities" or exposing "specified anatomical areas."

B.

"Specified anatomical areas" means:

Less than completely and opaquely covered:

a.

Human genitals, pubic region,

b.

Buttocks, and

c.

Female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or

Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.

C.

"Specified sexual activities" means:

Actual or simulated sexual intercourse, oral copulation and intercourse, oral anal copulation, bestiality, direct physical stimulation of unclothed genitals, flagellation or torture in the context of a sexual relationship, or the use of excretory functions in the context of a sexual relationship, and any of the following depicted sexually oriented acts or conduct: anilingus, buggery, coprophagy, coprophilia, cunnilingus, fellatio, necrophilia, pederasty, pedophilia, piquerism, sapphism, zooerasty; or

Clearly depicted human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation, arousal or tumescence; or

Use of human or animal masturbation, sodomy, oral copulation, coitus, ejaculation; or

Fondling or touching nude human genitals, pubic region, buttocks or female breast; or

Masochism, erotic or sexually oriented torture, beating or the infliction of pain; or

Erotic or lewd touching, fondling or other contact with an animal by a human being; or

Human excretion, urination, menstruation, vaginal or anal irrigation. (Ord. 100 §§2, 3, 4, 1983)

9.14.030 - Permitted where.

A.

The location of any adult entertainment business as defined in subsection A of Section 9.14.020, is permitted only in the I-S industrial service district, as defined in Chapter 17.23.

B.

No person shall cause or permit the establishment of any adult entertainment business as defined in subsection A of Section 9.14.020, at any place within the incorporated area of the town except in those areas defined in subsection A of this section. (Ord. 178 §3(F), 1988: Ord. 100 §§5, 6(part), 1983)

9.14.040 - Establishment includes opening, relocation or conversion.

The establishment of an adult entertainment business includes the opening of the business as a new business, the relocation of the business or the conversion of an existing business location to any of the uses defined in subsection A of Section 9.14.020. (Ord. 100 §6(part), 1983)

9.14.050 - Certain signs prohibited.

Adult entertainment businesses as described in subsection A of Section 9.14.020, shall not erect any sign or display or exhibit any material depicting any specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas which exposes the material to the view of persons outside the building in which the adult entertainment business is located. The only sign permitted with respect to the operation of any such business is a single unlighted sign no larger than six square feet. (Ord. 100 §8, 1983)

9.14.060 - Violation—Penalty.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six months in the county jail or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 100 §7, 1983)

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▸Contents — Paradise Municipal Code
Paradise Municipal Code
  1. 2.12.050 is Section .050, located in Chapter 2.12 of Title 2. …
  2. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  3. Chapter 2.04 — TOWN MANAGER
  4. Chapter 2.06 — TOWN ATTORNEY
  5. Chapter 2.08 — TOWN COUNCIL
  6. Chapter 2.10 — TOWN CLERK
  7. Chapter 2.12 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
  8. Chapter 2.16 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
  9. Chapter 2.18 — TOWN TREASURER/INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
  10. Chapter 2.20 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
  11. Chapter 2.24 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
  12. Chapter 2.28 — RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFF…
  13. Chapter 2.32 — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  14. Chapter 2.34 — PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  15. Chapter 2.40 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION
  16. Chapter 2.43 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE STATEM…
  17. Chapter 2.44 — MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
  18. Chapter 2.45 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
  19. Chapter 2.46 — REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
  20. Chapter 2.47 — COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION PROGRAM
  21. Chapter 3.04 — ASSESSMENT AND TAX COLLECTION DUTIES
  22. Chapter 3.08 — SIGNATURE AUTHORITY
  23. Chapter 3.12 — INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
  24. Chapter 3.16 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
  25. Chapter 3.20 — SALES AND USE TAX
  26. Chapter 3.22 — TEMPORARY TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  27. Chapter 3.24 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  28. Chapter 3.26 — ANIMAL CONTROL PARCEL TAX
  29. Chapter 3.28 — FUNDS
  30. Chapter 3.30 — FEE AND SERVICE CHARGE REVENUE/COST COMPARISON …
  31. Chapter 3.40 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
  32. Chapter 5.01 — GENERAL LICENSING PROVISIONS
  33. Chapter 5.02 — PURPOSE—BUSINESS LICENSES—FEES
  34. Chapter 5.05 — RETAIL FIREARMS SALES ESTABLISHMENTS
  35. Chapter 5.06 — FAIRS, CARNIVALS AND CIRCUSES
  36. Chapter 5.07 — THEATERS, TENT SHOWS AND PLAYHOUSES
  37. Chapter 5.08 — FORTUNETELLING
  38. Chapter 5.09 — OUTDOOR FESTIVALS
  39. Chapter 5.10 — JUNK DEALERS, PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  40. Chapter 5.11 — VENDING—HAWKING—PEDDLING—SALES
  41. Chapter 5.12 — BINGO GAMES
  42. Chapter 5.13 — SOLICITORS
  43. Chapter 5.15 — KENNELS
  44. Chapter 5.16 — CARDROOMS
  45. Chapter 5.17 — TATTOO ARTISTS AND TATTOOING ESTABLISHMENTS
  46. Chapter 5.18 — MASSEUR/MASSEUSE AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
  47. Chapter 5.19 — TAXICABS AND RENT CARS
  48. Chapter 5.20 — SOUND TRUCKS AND SOUND-AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT
  49. Chapter 5.21 — VIOLATIONS
  50. Chapter 5.22 — BUSINESS LICENSE
  51. Chapter 6.04 — DEFINITIONS
  52. Chapter 6.08 — DOG LICENSES
  53. Chapter 6.12 — RUNNING AT LARGE—NUISANCES
  54. Chapter 6.13 — POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS AN…
  55. Article I — RABIES
  56. Article II — DISEASES GENERALLY
  57. Chapter 6.20 — CARE AND KEEPING
  58. Chapter 6.24 — WILD ANIMALS
  59. Chapter 6.28 — KENNELS/PET SHOPS
  60. Chapter 6.32 — ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
  61. Chapter 8.04 — PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT
  62. Chapter 8.05 — UNLAWFUL DUMPING
  63. Chapter 8.08 — MUNICIPAL MSW, RECYCLABLE MATERIAL, AND ORGANIC…
  64. Article I — COLLECTION
  65. Article II — MANDATORY REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS
  66. Chapter 8.12 — FELLING, REMOVAL, DESTRUCTION, DAMAGING AND REP…
  67. Chapter 8.16 — FRUIT AND NUT TREES
  68. Chapter 8.20 — DISEASED TREES
  69. Chapter 8.24 — CHRISTMAS TREES
  70. Chapter 8.28 — SOLAR SHADE CONTROL ACT
  71. Article I — STATE LAW ADOPTED
  72. Article II — PARKING ON PROPERTY NOT DESIGNATED AS TRAILER CAMP
  73. Chapter 8.36 — WATER WELLS
  74. Chapter 8.40 — SURFACE MINING AND RECLAMATION
  75. Chapter 8.44 — FIREWORKS
  76. Chapter 8.46 — PROTECTION OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S RIGHT TO BREATHE …
  77. Chapter 8.47 — VENDING MACHINE SALES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
  78. Article I — VENDING MACHINE SALES
  79. Article II — TOBACCO SELF-SERVICE DISPLAYS
  80. Chapter 8.48 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE WARNING SIGNS
  81. Chapter 8.55 — DEVELOPMENT OF LAND AREAS PRONE TO FLOOD HAZARD
  82. Chapter 8.56 — STORMWATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
  83. Chapter 8.57 — REGULATION OF BUTANE RESALE
  84. Chapter 8.58 — DEFENSIBLE SPACE AND HAZARDOUS FUEL MANAGEMENT
  85. Chapter 8.59 — REMOVAL OF FIRE DAMAGED DEBRIS FROM PRIVATE PRO…
  86. Chapter 8.61 — INTERIM HOUSING, ACCESSORY BUILDING(S) AND UNOC…
  87. Chapter 8.62 — TEMPORARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF CERTAIN P…
  88. Chapter 8.63 — MANDATORY GOVERNMENT HAZARD TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM
  89. Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
  90. Chapter 9.04 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PROPERTY
  91. Chapter 9.08 — DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
  92. Chapter 9.12 — TOPLESS DANCING
  93. Chapter 9.14 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
  94. Chapter 9.16 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE
  95. Article I — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  96. Article II — DEFINITIONS
  97. Article III — ADMINISTRATION OF NOISE CONTROL OFFICE
  98. Article IV — NOISE LIMITS
  99. Article V — PROHIBITED ACTS
  100. Article VI — EXEMPTIONS
  101. Article VII — VARIANCES
  102. Article VIII — ENFORCEMENT
  103. Chapter 9.20 — PICKETING
  104. Chapter 9.24 — AIR GUNS AND SLINGSHOTS
  105. Chapter 9.28 — FIREARMS
  106. Chapter 9.32 — REWARDS
  107. Chapter 9.36 — FALSE STATEMENTS AND WRITINGS
  108. Chapter 9.40 — TRESPASS UPON PRIVATE PROPERTY
  109. Chapter 9.50 — CURFEW
  110. Chapter 9.60 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  111. Chapter 9.70 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
  112. Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
  113. Chapter 10.02 — SPEED LIMITS
  114. Chapter 10.04 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  115. Chapter 10.06 — ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES
  116. Chapter 10.08 — DIAGONAL PARKING
  117. Chapter 10.10 — PARKING ON TOWN PROPERTY
  118. Chapter 10.12 — PRIVATE ROADS
  119. Chapter 10.15 — TRUCK ROUTES
  120. Chapter 10.16 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  121. Chapter 10.20 — PARADES
  122. Chapter 10.24 — WEIGHT LIMITS
  123. Chapter 10.28 — OVERSIZE AND OVERWEIGHT VEHICLES
  124. Chapter 10.32 — THROUGH HIGHWAYS
  125. Chapter 10.34 — SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERSKATES
  126. Chapter 10.36 — Trip Reduction Programs
  127. Chapter 10.38 — PEDESTRIANS
  128. Chapter 12.04 — GENERAL SETBACK LINE
  129. Chapter 12.08 — STREET NAMING AND NUMBERING—ADDRESSES
  130. Chapter 12.12 — CLOSING OR RESTRICTING USE OF STREETS
  131. Article I — GENERAL
  132. Article II — ENCROACHMENT AND EXCAVATION PERMITS
  133. Chapter 12.15 — REMOVAL OF PHYSICAL ENCROACHMENTS FROM PUBLIC …
  134. Chapter 12.16 — SPRINKLING OR SPRAYING—DISTURBING SURFACE
  135. Chapter 12.20 — IMPROVEMENTS—RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION
  136. Chapter 12.24 — SKATEBOARDING
  137. Chapter 12.25 — PARADISE COMMUNITY PARK
  138. Chapter 12.26 — TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
  139. Article I — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  140. Article II — NEW SYSTEMS ON NEW PARCELS
  141. Article III — NEW OR EXISTING SYSTEMS ON EXISTING LOTS
  142. Article IV — VARIANCES AND EXEMPTIONS
  143. Article V — WASTEWATER DISCHARGE—FAILED SYSTEMS AND CORRECTIVE…
  144. Article VI — ABANDONMENT
  145. Article VII — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
  146. Chapter 13.08 — WATER WELLS
  147. Chapter 13.12 — OVERHEAD UTILITY REMOVAL AND UNDERGROUND INSTA…
  148. Chapter 15.01 — FACTS AND FINDINGS
  149. Chapter 15.15 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  150. Chapter 15.16 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  151. Chapter 15.36 — LANDSCAPE MATERIALS
  152. Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
  153. Chapter 16.01 — SHORT TITLE
  154. Chapter 16.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  155. Chapter 16.03 — DEFINITIONS
  156. Chapter 16.04 — RESPONSIBILITIES
  157. Chapter 16.05 — MAPS REQUIRED
  158. Chapter 16.06 — ACCESS EASEMENT WIDTHS/CUL-DE-SAC LENGTH REQUI…
  159. Chapter 16.07 — SUBDIVISION OF FIVE OR MORE LOTS
  160. Chapter 16.08 — SUBDIVISIONS OF FOUR OR FEWER PARCELS
  161. Chapter 16.09 — DEDICATIONS AND RESERVATIONS
  162. Chapter 16.10 — CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION
  163. Chapter 16.11 — SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS
  164. Chapter 16.12 — REVERSION TO ACREAGE
  165. Chapter 16.13 — PARCEL MERGERS
  166. Chapter 16.14 — CORRECTIONS AND AMENDMENTS OF MAPS
  167. Chapter 16.15 — ENFORCEMENT OF PROVISIONS
  168. Chapter 16.16 — SEVERABILITY
  169. Chapter 16.17 — ENFORCEMENT, PENALTIES, AND LEGAL PROCEDURE
  170. Chapter 16.18 — PRIOR REGULATIONS
  171. Chapter 16.19 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
  172. Chapter 17.01 — SHORT TITLE
  173. Chapter 17.02 — BASIC PROVISIONS
  174. Chapter 17.04 — DEFINITIONS
  175. Chapter 17.05 — DISTRICT PROVISIONS
  176. Chapter 17.06 — GENERAL SITE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
  177. Chapter 17.07 — ZONES
  178. Chapter 17.08 — RESOURCE CONSERVATION (R-C) ZONE
  179. Chapter 17.10 — AGRICULTURAL-10 (AG-10) AND AGRICULTURAL-20 (A…
  180. Chapter 17.11 — AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL (AR) ZONES
  181. Chapter 17.12 — RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR) ZONES
  182. Chapter 17.14 — TOWN RESIDENTIAL (TR) ZONES
  183. Chapter 17.17 — MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (M-F) ZONE
  184. Chapter 17.20 — NEIGHBORHOOD-COMMERCIAL (N-C), CENTRAL-BUSINES…
  185. Chapter 17.23 — INDUSTRIAL-SERVICE (I-S) ZONE
  186. Chapter 17.26 — COMMUNITY-FACILITIES (C-F) COMMUNITY-SERVICES …
  187. Chapter 17.29 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENT COMBINING (P-D) ZONE
  188. Chapter 17.30 — SHORT-TERM RENTALS
  189. Chapter 17.31 — CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA
  190. Chapter 17.32 — TEMPORARY USE REGULATIONS
  191. Chapter 17.32.1 — NEEDLE AND SYRINGE EXCHANGE
  192. Chapter 17.33 — HOME OCCUPATION REGULATIONS
  193. Chapter 17.34 — MOBILE HOME PARK STANDARDS
  194. Chapter 17.35 — ANIMAL REGULATIONS
  195. Chapter 17.36 — MOBILE HOME PROVISIONS
  196. Chapter 17.37 — SIGN REGULATIONS
  197. Chapter 17.38 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS
  198. Chapter 17.39 — NONCONFORMING USES
  199. Chapter 17.40 — RECYCLING MACHINES AND FACILITIES
  200. Chapter 17.41 — DESIGN STANDARDS AND DESIGN REVIEW
  201. Chapter 17.42 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
  202. Chapter 17.44 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCENTIVES/RESIDENTIAL DENS…
  203. Article I — ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
  204. Article II — CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS/ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS
  205. Article III — VARIANCES
  206. Article IV — SITE PLAN REVIEW
  207. Article V — TEXT AMENDMENTS, REZONES AND PREZONES
  208. Article VI — EFFECT OF DENIAL OF APPLICATION
  209. Article VII — APPEALS
  210. Article VIII — ENFORCEMENT
  211. Article IX — APPLICATION FOR REQUIRED PERMITS

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