City Council members and officials with the Planning and Zoning Commission in West University Place held a public hearing May 4 on a potential change to the zoning ordinance that would require sexually oriented businesses and various business establishments to meet at least a 750-foot separation requirement from certain protected zones within city limits.
Key terms
Businesses that would be required to adhere to the new rule, according to the agenda item, include sexually oriented establishments, bail bond services, head shops, massage establishments, poker clubs, precious metal dealers, smoke shops and tattoo shops.
Protected uses include schools, churches, youth athletic facilities, parks, municipal buildings, licensed day care centers and residential areas.
What to know
City officials said the proposed amendment is intended to focus on ensuring “clear and enforceable land use standards to protect neighborhood character and public facilities.”
Key components of the proposal also include:
- Establishing uniform definitions for regulated uses
- Requiring a city-issued permit or registration for each location
- Providing for annual renewal and non-transferability of permits
- Authorizing inspection and enforcement mechanisms
No residents spoke on the amendment during the public hearing portion of the meeting. However, the city’s communication manager said the public hearing was a result of the City Council's direction at its Dec. 8, 2025, meeting.
The item included a discussion on a variety of topics and issues that arose from residents throughout the course of 2025.
Next steps
No action was taken during the May 4 meeting. The ordinance amendment will need to go back to City Council for approval later this year, city officials said.
