(a) 
It is the purpose of this article to regulate sexually oriented businesses to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the city; to protect and preserve the quality, property values and character of the city; to prevent the concentration of sexually oriented businesses within the city; and to minimize the potential negative impacts of sexually oriented businesses on residential areas, churches, schools and public areas.
(b) 
It is expressly not the intent or effect of this article to impose a limitation or restriction on the content of any communicative materials, including sexually oriented materials. Nor is it the intent or effect of this article to restrict or deny access by adults to sexually oriented materials protected by the First Amendment, or to deny access by the distributors and exhibitors of sexually oriented entertainment to their intended market.
(c) 
It is the purpose of this article to establish reasonable and uniform regulations to prevent the concentration of sexually oriented businesses within the city. The regulations contained herein have been established for the purpose of limiting the well-documented, adverse secondary effects suffered by properties located within one thousand (1000) feet of a sexually oriented business.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.01, adopted 7/12/2023)
This article provides regulatory standards throughout the city’s incorporated municipal boundaries (i.e., city limits) but not the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.02, adopted 7/12/2023)
Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases which are not defined in this article but are defined in other ordinances of the city shall be given the meanings set forth in those ordinances. Other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Headings and captions are for reference purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this article.
Adult arcade.
Any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by regularly depicting or describing specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
Adult bookstore, adult novelty store or adult video store.
A commercial establishment for which the regular offering of a service or the selling, renting or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer constitutes twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the items in inventory and/or floor space of the sexually oriented business, including:
(1) 
Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, DVDs, videocassettes or video reproductions, slides, or other visual representations, that depict or describe specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or
(2) 
Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities, but not including items used for birth control or for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
Adult cabaret.
A commercial establishment that regularly features the offering to customers of live entertainment that:
(1) 
Is intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to such customer; and
(2) 
Is distinguished by or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, simulating, describing, or relating to specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.
Adult motel.
A hotel, motel, or similar commercial establishment that:
(1) 
Offers accommodations to the public for any form of consideration; provides patrons with closed-circuit television transmissions, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or other photographic reproductions that are characterized by the regular depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; and has a sign visible from the public right-of-way that advertises the availability of this adult type of photographic reproductions;
(2) 
Offers a sleeping room for rent for a period of time that is less than 10 hours; or
(3) 
Allows a tenant or occupant of a sleeping room to sub-rent the room for a period of time that is less than 10 hours.
Adult motion picture theater.
A commercial establishment where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or similar photographic reproductions are regularly shown that are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
Adult theater.
A theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear nude or semi-nude, or live performances which are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities.
Applicant.
A person or entity in whose name a license to operate a sexually oriented business will be issued:
(1) 
Each individual who signs an application for a sexually oriented business license as required by section 5.05.007 or 5.05.009;
(2) 
Each individual who is an officer of a sexually oriented business for which a license application is made under section 5.05.007 or 5.05.009, regardless of whether the individual’s name or signature appears on the application;
(3) 
Each individual who has a 20 percent (20%) or greater ownership interest in a sexually oriented business for which a license application is made under section 5.05.007 or 5.05.009, regardless of whether the individual’s name or signature appears on the application; and
(4) 
Each individual who exercises substantial de facto control over a sexually oriented business for which a license application is made under section 5.05.007 or 5.05.009, regardless of whether the individual’s name or signature appears on the application.
Chief of police.
The chief of police of the city or the chief’s designated agent.
Child-care facility.
A facility licensed by the state, whether situated within the city or not, that provides care, training, education, custody, treatment or supervision for more than six (6) children under fourteen (14) years of age, where such children are not related by blood, marriage or adoption to the owner or operator of the facility, for less than twenty-four (24) hours a day, regardless of whether or not the facility is operated for a profit or charges for the services it offers.
Conviction.
A conviction in a federal court or a court of any state or foreign nation or political subdivision of a state or foreign nation that has not been reversed, vacated, or pardoned. Conviction includes disposition or [of] charges against a person by probation or deferred adjudication.
Distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon.
The dominant or principal theme of the object referenced. For instance, when the phrase refers to films “which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis upon the exhibition or display of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas,” the films so described are those whose dominant or principal character and theme are the exhibition or display of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.
Employee.
Any individual who:
(1) 
Is listed as a part-time, full-time, temporary, or permanent employee on the payroll of an applicant, licensee, or sexually oriented business; or
(2) 
Performs or provides entertainment on the sexually oriented business premises for any form of compensation or consideration.
Escort.
A person who, for consideration, agrees or offers to act as a companion, guide, or date for another person, or who agrees or offers to privately model lingerie or to privately perform a striptease for another person.
Escort agency.
A person or business association that furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its primary business purposes, for a fee, tip, or other consideration.
Establishment.
Any of the following:
(1) 
The opening or commencement of any sexually oriented business as a new business;
(2) 
The conversion of an existing business, whether or not a sexually oriented business, to any sexually oriented business;
(3) 
The addition of any sexually oriented business to any other existing sexually oriented business;
(4) 
The relocation of any sexually oriented business; or
(5) 
Any building operated as a sexually oriented business.
Hospital.
A facility or area for providing health services primarily for human inpatient medical or surgical care for the sick or injured and including related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient departments, training facilities, central services facilities, and staff offices that are an integral part of the facilities.
Licensee.
A person in whose name a license to operate a sexually oriented business has been issued:
(1) 
Each individual listed as an applicant on the application for a license;
(2) 
Each individual who is an officer of a sexually oriented business for which a license has been issued under this article, regardless of whether the individual’s name or signature appears on the license application;
(3) 
Each individual who has a twenty percent (20%) or greater ownership interest in a sexually oriented business for which a license has been issued under this article, regardless of whether the individual’s name or signature appears on the license application;
(4) 
Each individual who exercises substantial de facto control over a sexually oriented business for which a license has been issued under this article, regardless of whether the individual’s name or signature appears on the license application.
Nude model studio.
Any place where a person who appears in a state of nudity or displays specified anatomical areas is provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or similarly depicted by other persons who pay money or any form of consideration; however, nude modeling at or on behalf of any properly accredited institution of higher learning shall not fall within this definition.
Nudity or a state of nudity.
A state of dress which fails to fully and opaquely cover the anus, genitals, pubic region, or perineum anal region, or the exposure of any device, costume or covering that gives the realistic appearance of or simulates the anus, genitals, pubic region, or perineum anal region, regardless of whether the nipple and areola of the human female breast are exposed, or shows the covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
Operates or causes to be operated.
To cause to function or to put or keep in a state of doing business. Operator means any person on the premises of a sexually oriented business who is authorized to exercise operation control of the business. A person may be found to be operating or causing to be operated a sexually oriented business regardless of whether that person is an owner, part owner, or licensee of the business.
Person.
An individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity.
Public park.
Any city park or parcels of land designated as such on the city’s official zoning map.
Regularly features or regularly shown.
A consistent or substantial course of conduct, such that the films or performances exhibited constitute a substantial portion of the films or performances offered as a part of the ongoing business of the sexually oriented business.
Religious institution.
A building or group of buildings in which persons regularly assemble for religious worship and activities intended primarily for purposes connected with such worship or for propagating a particular form of religious belief. For the purposes of this definition, the term “religious institution” shall include, but not be limited to, a church, synagogue, mosque or temple.
Residential district.
A single-family, duplex, townhouse, multiple-family, or mobile home zoning district as defined in the city’s zoning ordinance.
Residential use.
A single-family, duplex, multiple-family, or mobile home park, mobile home subdivision, and campground use as defined in the city’s zoning ordinance.
Semi-nude or semi-nudity or state of semi-nudity.
The exposure of the post-puberty female nipple or areola, or the exposure of any device, costume or covering that gives the realistic appearance of or simulates the post-puberty female nipple or areola, so long as the following anatomical areas of an individual are fully and opaquely covered: the anus, genitals, pubic region and the perineum anal region of the human body. The term “semi-nude” shall not apply to an individual exposing a post-puberty female nipple or areola in the process of breastfeeding a child under that person’s care.
Sexual encounter center.
A business or commercial establishment that as one of its principal business purposes, offers for any form of consideration, a place where two (2) or more persons may congregate, associate, or consort for the purpose of specified sexual activities. The definition of sexual encounter center or any sexually oriented business shall not include an establishment where a medical practitioner, psychologist, psychiatrist, or similar professional person licensed by the state engages in medically approved and recognized sexual therapy.
Sexually oriented business.
An adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or other commercial enterprise for which the regular offering of a service or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer constitutes twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the items in inventory and/or floor space of the sexually oriented business. The terms shall also mean any commercial enterprise that self-identifies as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency or nude model studio, regardless of whether the percentage of items in inventory and/or floor space constitute twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total items in inventory and/or floor space.
Sign.
(1) 
Any display, design, pictorial, or other representation that is:
(A) 
Constructed, placed, attached, painted, erected, fastened, or manufactured in any manner whatsoever so that it is visible from the outside of a sexually oriented business; and
(B) 
Used to seek the attraction of the public to any goods, services, or merchandise available at the sexually oriented business.
(2) 
The term “sign” also includes any representation painted on or otherwise affixed to any exterior portion of a sexually oriented business establishment or to any part of the tract upon which the establishment is situated.
Specified anatomical areas.
Any of the following, or any combination of the following, when less than completely and opaquely covered:
(1) 
Any human genitals, pubic region, or pubic hair;
(2) 
Any buttock;
(3) 
Any portion of the female breast or breasts that is situated below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or
(4) 
Human male genitals in a discernibly erect state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
Specified sexual activities.
Any of the following:
(1) 
The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts;
(2) 
Sex acts, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, or sodomy;
(3) 
Masturbation, actual or simulated; or
(4) 
Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in subsections (1) through (3) above.
Transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business.
Any of the following:
(1) 
The sale, lease, or sublease of the business;
(2) 
The transfer of securities that constitute a controlling interest in the business, whether by sale, exchange, or similar means; or
(3) 
The establishment of a trust, gift, or other similar legal device that transfers the ownership or control of the business, except for transfer by bequest or other operation of law upon the death of the person possessing the ownership or control.
Violation.
Any offense under or failure to comply with this article, the punishment for which shall be in accordance with section 5.05.019.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.03, adopted 7/12/2023)
(a) 
Sexually oriented businesses are classified as follows:
(1) 
Adult arcades;
(2) 
Adult bookstores, adult novelty stores or adult video stores;
(3) 
Adult cabarets;
(4) 
Adult motels;
(5) 
Adult theaters;
(6) 
Adult motion picture theaters;
(7) 
Escort agencies;
(8) 
Nude model studios; and
(9) 
Sexual encounter centers.
(b) 
A sexually oriented business does not include:
(1) 
A business operated by and employing or contracting with a licensed psychologist, licensed physical therapist, licensed athletic trainer, licensed cosmetologist, or licensed barber engaged in performing functions authorized under a state license; or
(2) 
A business operated by and employing or contracting with a licensed tattooist or tanning shop operator engaged in performing functions authorized under a state license for a tattoo parlor or tanning salon; or
(3) 
A business operated by and employing or contracting with a state licensed physician or licensed chiropractor engaged in practicing the healing arts; or
(4) 
A business operated by and employing or contracting with a state licensed massage therapist who practices or offers massage engaged in performing the functions authorized by the license; or
(5) 
A school which is accredited or certified by a national academic accreditation organization, and which maintains an educational program training persons the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a state issued license as a psychologist, physical therapist, athletic trainer, cosmetologist, tattooist, artist, barber, physician, chiropractor, or massage therapist; or
(6) 
A person appearing nude in a modeling class (i) operated by a proprietary school licensed by the State of Texas; a college, junior college, or university supported entirely or partly by taxation; or by a private college or university or junior college which maintains and operates educational programs in which credits earned are transferrable to a college, junior college, or university supported entirely or partly by taxation; (ii) in a structure which has no sign visible from the exterior of the structure advertising that a nude person is available for viewing; (iii) in order to participate in the class a student must enroll at least three days prior to the class; and (iv) where there is no more than one nude model on the premises at any one time; or
(7) 
Any activity, business, presentation, expression, material, film, videotape, photographic slide, CD-ROM disk, floppy diskette, book, or device, which when taken as a whole has or contains serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.04, adopted 7/12/2023)
A person commits an offense if the person operates or causes to be operated a sexually oriented business without a valid license, issued by the city for the particular classification of sexually oriented business.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.05, adopted 7/12/2023)
Any applicant requesting a license for a sexually oriented business shall follow the below in accordance with Texas Local Government Code section 243.0075.
(1) 
An applicant for a license or permit issued under this section, for a location not currently licensed or permitted shall, not later than the 60th day before the date the application is filed, prominently post an outdoor sign at the location stating that a sexually oriented business is intended to be located on the premises and providing the name and business address of the applicant.
(2) 
A person who intends to operate a sexually oriented business in the jurisdiction of a municipality or county that does not require the owner or operator of a sexually oriented business to obtain a license or permit shall, not later than the 60th day before the date the person intends to begin operation of the business, prominently post an outdoor sign at the location stating that a sexually oriented business is intended to be located on the premises and providing the name and business address of the owner and operator.
(3) 
The sign must be at least 24 by 36 inches in size and must be written in lettering at least two inches in size. The municipality or county in which the sexually oriented business is to be located may require the sign to be both in English and a language other than English if it is likely that a substantial number of the residents in the area speak a language other than English as their familiar language.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.06, adopted 7/12/2023)
(a) 
Any person desiring a license shall file a sworn application with the planning department, on a form provided by the planning department, and pay the license fee as provided in this article and as may be amended by the city council. The application shall include:
(1) 
The name of each applicant and whether the applicant is an individual, partnership, corporation, other entity, or a combination of these.
(2) 
The applicant’s current and complete National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) criminal history reports obtained from the state department of public safety and completed within 15 days of the date the application is filed with the planning department.
(3) 
Current and complete NCIC and TCIC criminal history reports for the applicant’s spouse and each person with whom the candidate resides obtained from the state department of public safety and completed within 15 days of the date the application is filed with planning department.
(4) 
The name under which the business is to be operated and a description of the adult oriented business to be conducted.
(5) 
The name, address, date of birth, social security number, and telephone number of each applicant, owner(s), and the intended operator, if different from the owner.
(6) 
The street address and legal description of the parcel of land on which the business is to be located, and the telephone number of the enterprise at that address.
(7) 
A written declaration, sworn to under oath, that the information contained in the application is true and correct.
(8) 
If an applicant is any type of corporation or association, then the application must also state the name, address, date of birth and social security number of all incorporators, current and past officers, directors, and shareholders. If an applicant is any type of partnership, then the application shall also state the names and addresses of all partners and identify the nature of each partner’s participation (e.g., limited, active, etc.).
(9) 
If the applicant is an individual, the application shall be signed and verified by the applicant. If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall be signed and verified by all of the partners thereof. If the applicant is a corporation or other entity, the application shall be signed and verified by the president and treasurer of said corporation or entity. If the application is made by a combination of individuals or entities, it shall be signed and verified by each component of the combination in a manner consistent with this subsection.
(10) 
A site plan setting out the dimensions and location of such sexually oriented business. The applicant shall sign a notarized statement attached to the site plan stating that the proposed adult oriented business complies with the requirements set forth herein. It shall be the duty of the applicant to prepare the site plan.
(11) 
A detailed diagram of the interior if the sexually oriented business will exhibit:
(A) 
A viewing room, booth, cubicle, closet, stall, or other room of less than 150 square feet of floor space each.
(B) 
A live model, dancer, or other employee, agent, or contractor who exposes specified anatomical areas, or a movie, film, videotape, CD-ROM, floppy diskette or disk which depicts specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(b) 
The planning and zoning commission shall make a recommendation to city council for the issuance of a license, and city council shall make a final determination on the license within one hundred and twenty (120) days of receipt of a complete written application unless one or more of the following is true:
(1) 
An applicant is under eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) 
An applicant or an applicant’s spouse is overdue in his payment to the city taxes, fines, or penalties assessed against him or imposed upon him in relation to a sexually oriented business;
(3) 
An applicant has failed to provide information reasonably necessary for issuance of the license or has falsely answered a question or request for information on the application form;
(4) 
An applicant or an applicant’s spouse has been convicted of violating any provision of this article, other than the offense of operating a sexually oriented business without a license, within two (2) years immediately preceding the application. The fact that a conviction is being appealed shall have no effect;
(5) 
An applicant is residing with a person who has been denied a license by the city to operate a sexually oriented business within the preceding twelve (12) months, or residing with a person whose license to operate a sexually oriented business has been revoked within the preceding twelve (12) months;
(6) 
The premises to be used for the sexually oriented business have not been approved by the city as being in compliance with applicable laws and ordinances;
(7) 
The license fee required has not been paid;
(8) 
An applicant has been employed in a sexually oriented business in a managerial capacity within the preceding twelve (12) months and has demonstrated that he is unable to operate or manage a sexually oriented business premises in a peaceful and law-abiding manner, thus necessitating action by law enforcement officers; or
(9) 
An applicant or an applicant’s spouse has been convicted of a crime:
(A) 
Involving:
(i) 
Any of the public indecency offenses described in chapter 43 of the Texas Penal Code;
(ii) 
Any of the sexual offenses described in chapter 21 of the Texas Penal Code;
(iii) 
Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault as described in chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code;
(iv) 
Incest, solicitation of a child, or harboring a runaway child as described in chapter 25 of the Texas Penal Code; or
(v) 
Criminal attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any of the foregoing offenses;
(B) 
For which:
(i) 
Less than two (2) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement imposed for the conviction, whichever is the later date, if the conviction is of a misdemeanor offense;
(ii) 
Less than five (5) years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement for the conviction, whichever is the later date, if the conviction is of a felony offense; or
(iii) 
Less than five (5) years have elapsed since the date of the last conviction or the date of release from confinement for the last conviction, whichever is the later date, if the convictions are of two (2) or more misdemeanor offenses or combination of misdemeanor offenses occurring within any twenty-four (24) month period.
(iv) 
The fact that a conviction is being appealed shall have no effect on the disqualification of the applicant.
(c) 
The license, if granted, shall state on its face the name of the person or persons to whom it is granted, the expiration date, and the address of the sexually oriented business. The license shall be posted in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to the sexually oriented business so that it may be easily read at any time.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.07, adopted 7/12/2023)
An annual, nonrefundable fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code shall be charged for each business permit application and shall be paid to the planning department at the time the application and site plan are submitted for processing.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.08, adopted 7/12/2023; Ordinance adopting 2023 Code)
(a) 
Any person who wishes to obtain employment with a sexually oriented business in the city must obtain a sexually oriented business employee license issued by the planning department.
(b) 
It is a defense to this section if the employment is of a limited duration and for the sole purpose of repair or maintenance of machinery, equipment, or the premises.
(c) 
Potential employees of sexually oriented businesses must comply with this section before being issued a license to work at the business.
(d) 
Each application for an employee license must be accompanied by a nonrefundable license fee in the amount set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code. The annual license renewal fee shall be as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code.
(e) 
Applications for an employee license to provide services in a sexually oriented business, whether original or renewal, must be on forms provided by the planning department and presented to the planning department by the candidate.
(f) 
The candidate for an employee license must be qualified according to the provisions of this article each year. Each subsequent license application must be submitted prior to the expiration of the current license.
(g) 
Applications must be submitted to the office of the planning department during regular working hours.
(h) 
Each candidate must provide the following information on the application form:
(1) 
The candidate’s given name, and any other names by which the candidate is or has ever been known, including “stage” names or aliases;
(2) 
Age, and date and place of birth;
(3) 
Height, weight, hair color and eye color;
(4) 
Present mailing address and telephone number;
(5) 
Spouse’s name, if applicable, and name of each person with whom the candidate or candidate’s spouse resides;
(6) 
Present business address and telephone number;
(7) 
Date, issuing state, and driver’s license number, or other state issued identification card information;
(8) 
Social security number;
(9) 
Proof that the candidate is at least 18 years old; and
(10) 
Name and address of the sexually oriented business where the employee will work.
(i) 
The candidate must attach the following information to the application form:
(1) 
Color photographs of the candidate clearly showing the candidate’s face and profile view of both sides of the face.
(2) 
The candidate’s current and complete NCIC and TCIC criminal history reports obtained from the state department of public safety and completed within 15 days of the date the application is filed with the planning department.
(3) 
Current and complete NCIC and TCIC criminal history reports for the candidate’s spouse and each person with whom the candidate resides obtained from the state department of public safety and completed within 15 days of the date the application is filed with planning department.
(4) 
A statement from the candidate detailing the license history of the candidate for the ten years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application, including whether such candidate, in this or any other city, county, state, or country, has ever had any license, certificate, permit or authorization to do business denied, revoked, or suspended, or had any professional or vocational license or permit denied, revoked, or suspended. In the event of any such denial, revocation, or suspension, state the name(s) under which the license was sought or issued, the name(s) of the issuing or denying jurisdiction, and describe in full the reason(s) for the denial, revocation, or suspension. A copy of any order of denial, revocation, or suspension must be attached to the application.
(5) 
A statement from the candidate detailing the criminal history of the candidate, including whether the candidate, candidate’s spouse, or a person residing with the candidate has ever been convicted, or is awaiting trial on pending charges, of a criminal offense as defined in section 5.05.007(b)(9) and, if so, the nature of the criminal offense(s) involved and the date, place, and jurisdiction of each offense.
(6) 
A statement from the candidate detailing the license history of the candidate, including:
(A) 
Whether the candidate, or a person residing with the candidate, has had a previous license under this article or other similar sexually oriented business ordinance from another city or county denied, suspended or revoked, including the name and location of the sexually oriented business for which the business license was denied, suspended or revoked, as well as the date of the denial, suspension or revocation, and whether the candidate or a person residing with the candidate is or has been a partner in a partnership or an officer, director or principal stockholder of a corporation that is or was licensed under a sexually oriented business ordinance whose business license has previously been denied, suspended or revoked, including the name and location of the sexually oriented business for which the business license was denied, suspended or revoked as well as the date of denial, suspension or revocation; and
(B) 
Whether the candidate or a person residing with the candidate holds any other licenses or certificates under this article or other similar sexually oriented business ordinance from another city or county and, if so, the names and locations of such other licensed businesses.
(j) 
The application for the license must contain a statement made under oath that:
(1) 
The candidate has personal knowledge of the information contained in the application, and that the information contained therein and furnished therewith is true and correct; and
(2) 
The candidate has read the provisions of this article.
(k) 
Separate applications and licenses are required for each sexually oriented business the candidate seeks to provide services for.
(l) 
The fact that a candidate possesses any other valid license required by law does not exempt him or her from the requirement of obtaining a sexually oriented business license from the city. A person who operates a sexually oriented business and possesses another business license must comply with the requirements and provisions of this article as well as the requirements and provisions of the laws concerning the other license.
(m) 
The candidate has an affirmative duty to supplement an application with new information received subsequent to the date the application was deemed completed.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.09, adopted 7/12/2023; Ordinance adopting 2023 Code)
(a) 
The planning department will review the employee license application to determine if all required and necessary information has been submitted. The planning department will issue a letter within 10 days of receipt of the application or supplemental application and advise the candidate whether the application is complete or whether supplemental information must be submitted. The candidate must provide any supplemental information within 10 days, or the application will be returned, and the filing fee forfeited.
(b) 
The application approval process will not commence until the completed application and all required attachments and fees are received by the planning department.
(c) 
The planning department must approve the issuance of the annual license to a candidate within 60 days after receipt of a complete application and all required attachments unless he or she finds one or more of the following to be true:
(1) 
A candidate is under 18 years of age.
(2) 
A candidate has failed to provide all information required by this article for issuance of the license or has falsely answered a question or request for information on the application form.
(3) 
A candidate or a candidate’s spouse has been convicted of a violation of a provision of this article within two years immediately preceding the application. The fact that a conviction is being appealed will have no effect.
(4) 
A candidate or a candidate’s spouse or person with whom the candidate is residing has been convicted of a crime specified in section 5.05.007(b)(9) for which:
(A) 
Less than two years have elapsed since the date of conviction or the date of release from confinement imposed for the conviction, whichever is the later date, for a misdemeanor offense; or
(B) 
Less than five years have elapsed since the date of the last conviction or the date of release from confinement for the last conviction, whichever is the later date, for two or more misdemeanor offenses or combination of misdemeanor offenses occurring within any 24-month period.
(5) 
A candidate or a candidate’s spouse or person with whom candidate is residing has been convicted of a felony.
(6) 
The fact that a conviction is being appealed will have no effect on the disqualification of the candidate or the candidate’s spouse.
(7) 
For purposes of this section, a sentence of deferred adjudication for any period of time or amount of fine is considered a conviction.
(d) 
The planning department may deny issuance of the license if one or more provisions in section [sic] are found to be true.
(e) 
The license, if granted, must state on its face the name of the candidate to whom it is granted, the expiration date, the address of the sexually oriented business candidate is licensed to provide services for and include a current photo of licensee. All approved licenses shall be maintained by the business and made available for inspection upon request by the city.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.10, adopted 7/12/2023)
A licensee shall not transfer his license to another person, nor shall a licensee operate a sexually oriented business under the authority of a license at any place other than the address designated in the application.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.11, adopted 7/12/2023)
(a) 
Initial inspection.
Upon receipt of all the items specified in section 5.05.008 [5.05.007] above, the planning department shall, within ten (10) working days of the receipt, request that the Williams County ESD No. 4 fire marshal, Williamson County health department, city police department, code enforcement, and building official inspect the premises and review the qualifications of the applicants for determination of compliance with applicable state and federal laws and city ordinances. All such inspections and reviews shall be completed within twenty-five (25) days of the request from planning and development for inspections and reviews.
(b) 
Subsequent inspections.
A representative of the Williams County ESD No. 4 fire marshal, Williamson County health department, city police department, code enforcement, and building official shall be allowed to inspect the premises at any time it is occupied or open for business, to verify compliance with all applicable local ordinances, codes, state laws, and licenses.
(c) 
Refusal to allow inspection.
It is an offense for the owner, applicant, intended operator, permittee, other person, or an agent or contractor of any of them to refuse to allow a lawful inspection of the premises by a representative of the Williams County ESD No. 4 fire marshal, Williamson County health department, city police department, code enforcement, and building official during either the initial twenty-five (25) day inspection period or thereafter at any subsequent time it is occupied or open for business.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.12, adopted 7/12/2023)
The planning department shall suspend a license for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days if it is determined that a licensee or an agent or employee of a licensee has:
(1) 
Violated or is not in compliance with any section of this article;
(2) 
Refused to allow an inspection of the sexually oriented business premises as authorized by this article;
(3) 
Knowingly permitted gambling by any person on the sexually oriented business premises; or
(4) 
Demonstrated an inability to operate or manage a sexually oriented business in a peaceful and law-abiding manner, thus necessitating action by law enforcement officers.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.13, adopted 7/12/2023)
The planning and zoning commission shall make a recommendation to city council to revoke a license if it determines that:
(1) 
A licensee gave false or misleading information in the material submitted to the city during the application process;
(2) 
A licensee or an agent or employee of the licensee has knowingly allowed prostitution or any act of sexual intercourse, sodomy, oral copulation, masturbation, or sexual contact to occur in or on the premises of a sexually oriented business other than an adult motel. The term “sexual contact” shall have the same meaning as in section 21.01 of the Texas Penal Code;
(3) 
A licensee or an agent or employee of the licensee has knowingly allowed possession, use, or sale of controlled substances on the premises;
(4) 
A licensee or a licensee’s spouse has been convicted of an offense listed in section 5.05.007(b)(9) of this article for which the time period specified in that section has not elapsed;
(5) 
A licensee has knowingly operated a sexually oriented business during a period of time when the licensee’s license was suspended;
(6) 
A licensee is delinquent in payment to the city for any taxes, fees, fines, or penalties; or
(7) 
A cause of suspension in section 5.05.013 occurs and the license has been suspended within the preceding twelve (12) months.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.14, adopted 7/12/2023)
Each business and employee license shall expire one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed only by making an application for renewal as provided in this section. Application for renewal shall be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date. The annual business renewal fee or annual employee renewal fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code shall be paid with each annual license renewal application.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.15, adopted 7/12/2023; Ordinance adopting 2023 Code)
(a) 
If the city council denies the issuance or renewal of a license, or suspends or revokes a license, the planning department shall send to the applicant, or licensee, by certified mail, return receipt requested, written notice of its actions and the right to an appeal.
(b) 
A written request to appeal the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license by the city council shall be filed by the applicant or licensee within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of receipt of the notice of the decision by the city council. A panel, hereinafter referred to as the appeals panel, of the mayor, mayor pro tem and city manager shall conduct a hearing on the appeal within sixty (60) days of receipt of the appeal. The appeals panel shall hear and consider evidence offered by any interested person. Neither the Texas Rules of Evidence nor the Rules of Civil Procedure will apply at such hearing. The city shall send to the applicant, or licensee, by certified mail, return receipt requested, written notice of the final action of the appeal. A decision of the appeals panel is final.
(c) 
An appeals fee as set forth in the fee schedule in appendix A of this code shall be made at the time of receipt of the written request to appeal the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license by the city council.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.16, adopted 7/12/2023; Ordinance adopting 2023 Code)
(a) 
If the city council denies the issuance of a license to an applicant because the location of the sexually oriented business establishment is in violation of section 5.05.018(a)(4) of this article, the applicant may request an appeal as outlined in section 5.05.016 above.
(b) 
The appeals panel may, in its discretion, grant an exemption from the location restrictions of this article if the city council makes the following written findings:
(1) 
That the location of the proposed sexually oriented business will not have a detrimental effect on nearby properties or be contrary to the public safety or welfare;
(2) 
That the granting of the exemption will not violate the spirit and intent of this article;
(3) 
That the location of the proposed sexually oriented business will not downgrade the property values or quality of life in the adjacent areas or encourage the development of urban blight;
(4) 
That the location of an additional sexually oriented business in the area will not be contrary to any program of neighborhood conservation nor will it interfere with any efforts of urban renewal or restoration; and
(5) 
That all other applicable provisions of this article will be observed.
(c) 
The appeals panel shall grant or deny the exemption by a unanimous vote. Failure to reach a unanimous vote shall result in denial of the exemption. Disputes of fact shall be decided on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence. A decision of the appeals panel is final.
(d) 
If the appeals panel grants the exemption, the exemption is valid for one (1) year from the date of the appeals panel action. Upon expiration of an exemption, the sexually oriented business is in violation of the location restrictions found in section 5.05.018(a)(4) of this article until the applicant applies for and receives another exemption from the appeals panel. The written request for an exemption shall be made to the planning department.
(e) 
The grant of an exemption does not exempt the applicant from any other provisions of this article other than the location restrictions of section 5.05.018(a)(4).
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.17, adopted 7/12/2023)
(a) 
Location.
(1) 
Sexually oriented businesses may only be conditionally sited in that portion of the city currently designated as the following industrial zoning designations:
(A) 
Light Industrial/Warehousing (I1).
(B) 
General Industrial (I2).
(2) 
Sexually oriented businesses shall not be sited in that portion of the city currently designated as residential as seen in the below zoning designations:
(A) 
Agricultural (AG).
(B) 
Low Density Residential (SF1).
(C) 
Medium Density Residential (SF2).
(D) 
High Density Residential (SF3).
(E) 
Duplex Residential (TF).
(F) 
Multifamily Residential (MF1).
(G) 
Multifamily Residential (MF2).
(H) 
Manufactured Housing (MH1).
(I) 
Manufactured Housing Community (MH2).
(3) 
Sexually oriented businesses shall not be sited in that portion of the city currently designated as the following commercial zoning designations:
(A) 
Neighborhood Commercial/Retail (C1).
(B) 
Downtown Commercial/Retail (C2).
(C) 
General Commercial/Retail (C3).
(D) 
Public/Community Facility (P).
(E) 
Park (PARK).
(4) 
Each structure housing a sexually oriented business shall be located at least one thousand (1000) feet from the property line of any lot used for a residence, church, cemetery, school, child-care facility, or public park, and shall be located at least one thousand (1000) feet from any other structure housing a sexually oriented business.
(b) 
Signage.
Each sexually oriented business shall comply with section 6.12 [of the zoning ordinance], Sign Regulations.
(c) 
Posting human trafficking information.
(1) 
Each SOB shall have the duty to post a sign containing educational information regarding human trafficking including the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
(2) 
The signs must be posted at eye level adjacent to each entrance, in each public restroom, and in any employee dressing room or breakroom.
(3) 
The signs shall be obtained from the planning department.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.18, adopted 7/12/2023)
(a) 
Civil and criminal penalties.
The city shall have the power to administer and enforce the provisions of this article as may be required by governing law. Any person violating any provision of this article is subject to a suit for injunctive relief as well as prosecution for criminal violations. Any violation of this article is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(b) 
Criminal prosecution.
Anyꞏ person violating any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be fined a sum not exceeding four thousand dollars ($4,000.00). Each day that a provision of this article is violated shall constitute a separate offense. An offense under this article is a class A misdemeanor.
(c) 
Civil remedies.
Nothing in this article shall be construed as a waiver of the city’s right to bring a civil action to enforce the provisions of this article and to seek remedies as allowed by law, including, but not limited to the following:
(1) 
Injunctive relief to prevent specific conduct that violates this article or to require specific conduct that is necessary for compliance with this article; and
(2) 
A civil penalty up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) a day when it is shown that the defendant was actually notified of the provisions of this article and after receiving notice committed acts in violation of this article or failed to take action necessary for compliance with this article; and
(3) 
Other available relief.
(d) 
Defenses to prosecution.
(1) 
It is a defense to prosecution under this article that a person appearing in a state of nudity or semi-nudity did so in a modeling class operated:
(A) 
By a proprietary school licensed by the State of Texas, a college, junior college, or university supported entirely by or partly by taxation;
(B) 
By a private college or university which maintains and operates educational programs in which credits are transferable to a college, junior college, or university supported entirely or partly by taxation; or
(C) 
In a structure:
(i) 
Which has no sign visible from the exterior of the structure and no other advertising that indicates a nude or semi-nude person is available for viewing; or
(ii) 
Where in order to participate in a class a student must enroll at least three (3) days in advance of the class; and
(iii) 
Where no more than one (1) nude or semi-nude model is on the premises at any time.
(2) 
It is a defense to prosecution under this article that each item of descriptive, printed, film, or video material offered for sale or rental, taken as a whole, contains serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
(Ordinance 23-O-022, sec. 5.05.19, adopted 7/12/2023)