Lexington, KY- Opponents of a planned Hustler store are preparing to make a stand when the company seeks city permission.

Before the sex shop opens, a new building permit application must be submitted. The property also must get special permission because sex shops are prohibited within 500 feet of agricultural areas.

Opponents say they will argue that the land near Interstate 75 and Winchester Rd. constitutes an agricultural area.

Joe Miller, a Massachusetts developer building the store, said Thursday that he would seek a conditional zoning change. Miller said he would lease the structure to the highest bidder, and that he anticipated the Hustler store taking the space.

Hustler executive Jimmy Flynt said the applications and the permits are in order. He said he’s “not in town for a fight,” and “I’m here to comply with all the rules.”

Flynt’s company has until Monday to appeal for conditional use, then appear on the city board of adjustment’s Dec. 12 docket, said Jim Marx, senior planner for Lexington’s division of planning.

Councilman Al Mitchell will be ready. “If they go before the board of adjustment, the public can speak out against it, and I am going to speak against it,” he said.

Flynt says the project should be completed shortly after Christmas. In an interview, Flynt urged the public to, “Relax. It’s just about sex.”

Flynt says he won’t be deterred by community opposition. “I’m doing a $2 million project that’s going to drive traffic to that area and bring in some money from taxes.”