Madison County P&Z approves sexually oriented business ordinance

By unanimous vote Thursday night, the Madison County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a new ordinance that would regulate the location of sexually oriented business in the county.

The 21 page document outlines specific locations and hours of operation as well as a requirement for background checks of store owners and employees. The ordinance would limit all sexually themed businesses to “Industrial Heavy Zones” already outlined in the county’s development code.

Planning commissioners stressed the intent of the law was to regulate, not prohibit the operation of such businesses. The proposed law, which is modeled after a similar ordinance in the city of Victor, will go to the Madison County Board of Commissioners for formal adoption June 25th.