Athens, Ohio- City codes might restrict the operations of sexually-oriented businesses in Athens if City Council passes an ordinance introduced at last night’s meeting.

The proposed ordinance and the zoning resolution recommended to the Athens Planning Commission last week would work together to regulate sexually-oriented businesses that might open in Athens, said Councilwoman Debbie Phillips D-4th Ward.

“These are some tools in our tool box to balance the different rights of people in our community in an attempt to reduce any potential negative impact,” Phillips said.

These proposed code changes would not affect the strip club that might open on Stimson Avenue because Chris Stotts submitted an application prior to the ordinance’s effective date, said Councilman Jim Sands, D-at large.

The ordinance would classify sexually-oriented businesses as adult arcades, adult bookstores or video stores, semi-nude model studios and adult theaters. These businesses are frequently used for unlawful sexual activities and raise concerns about sexually transmitted diseases, according to the ordinance.

If the ordinance is passed, future business employees and operators must keep the facility free of sexual activity, establish a management station with an unobstructed view of public areas, build with non-porous surface materials for sanitation and use bright lighting, among other requirements.

“We’re not trying to restrict anybody’s First Amendment rights — we just want to make sure there are some regulations in place and that we are able to also protect the public safety and the community interests…” said Phillips.

Councilman Elahu Gosney, D-at large said that this ordinance will help protect the property value in the area.

“There needs to be control over where businesses are and encourage more businesses Uptown that will benefit the city in the long term,” Gosney said.

This ordinance is modeled after a Wooster ordinance that has been in effect and has stood up in court, Phillips said. It is beneficial to use something that has been working for a while instead of starting from scratch, she said.

The ordinance must go through two more readings at Council meetings and Phillips said she did not know what date City Council would vote on it.

Mayor Paul Wiehl said that he hopes to approve the zoning resolution for sexually-oriented businesses on Thursday.