LANCASTER : New Law Weighed for Adult Businesses

A proposed ordinance that would restrict the operation of sexually oriented businesses will be considered Monday night by the Lancaster City Council.

The measure would require special permits, limit the hours of operation and place restrictions on where such businesses could operate. The new ordinance, which also includes provisions for regulating news racks, was unanimously approved this week by the city’s Planning Commission.

If passed, adult bookstores, movie theaters, motels and massage parlors will be restricted to heavy-industrial areas and locations more than 1,500 feet from churches, schools, parks, public buildings or other sexually oriented businesses.

Lancaster’s current law forbids adult businesses within 1,000 feet of such businesses, or within 500 feet of a residential area, church, park or school.