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FARGO, North Dakota (KVRR) — The Fargo City Council voted 4 to 1 to change the city’s regulations governing and defining adult entertainment businesses.
This will force some businesses to relocate away from churches and schools. The adult use regulations were passed in 1998 and have not been updated since.
Supporters of the ordnance say the change will help clear up confusion about what constitutes an adult business.
Critics say the city is trying to make the ordinance part of the definition of a one-size-fits-all adult venue.
Enchantasys owner Kim Johnson Patterson said her business was getting lumped in with other adult entertainment businesses.
Enchantasys does not sell porn like most adult stores.
During the city council meeting, Patterson said doctors routinely referred patients to Enchantasys to educate them about their sexual health.
“Every one of our employees is required to be a sexual health resource through the Center for Sexual Health and Pleasure. We are not considered “adults” at any of our locations. This new ordinance you are considering passing, zoning, will Classify us as an adult bookstore,” Patterson said.
“Instead of adding restrictions or making them stricter as before, this text amendment would allow adult use in GC, LI, and GI zoning areas. Subject to a 1,250-foot buffer zone for things like churches and schools,” said Attorney Scott Terberg Soder said.
Commissioner John Strand was the only one who did not vote.
The ordinance change was discussed after Romantix wanted to move to Broadway.
The federal lawsuit was filed after the city argued its new site did not meet zoning requirements and denied Romantix a license.
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