More oversight could soon be placed on adult-oriented businesses hoping to operate in downtown Austin.
Adult-oriented businesses are currently allowed in the Central Business District and Downtown Mixed Use zoning areas as long as the establishment is not within 1,000 feet of any schools, churches, parks, playgrounds or licensed daycare facilities.
An adult-oriented business, as defined by city code, is an arcade, bookstore, cabaret, lounge or novelty shop that offers services that can be sexual in nature.
The ordinance City Council will consider on April 16 would also prevent the businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of any parks or museums and require the business owners to go before a commission in order to receive approval.
The move comes after Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo sponsored a resolution that passed Feb. 26 asking city staff develop such an ordinance. She said the desire for more oversight resulted from a recently proposed business that plans to operate at 422 Congress Ave.
Public comment will be heard on the ordinance before a vote is taken during the April 16 Austin City Council meeting.
Other April 16 Austin City Council agenda highlights:
There are 32 items on the agenda, with eight items on the consent agenda.
- Consider rescinding District 6 Councilman Don Zimmerman's appointment of Rebecca Forest to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. (Update 4/15/15 5:57 p.m. CST: Forest stepped down from her appointment on April 15 after hearing overwhelming support to rescind her nomination. Click here to read the letter she sent to Zimmerman.)
- Consider approval of a new commercial development at 10300 Anderson Mill Road. The public hearing on this issue has been closed.
- Hold a public hearing and consider rezoning 908 E. 15th St., 807 E. 16th St. and 1506 Waller St. from single-family to multifamily.
- Consider approving a public-private partnership to construct a pet hotel at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
