BACKGROUND: The current adult entertainment ordinance in place in the City of Renton is over 25 years old and has not been updated. The ordinance allows adult entertainment venues in the “Valley” area of the city. With more adult entertainment venues set to open, the city has deemed it appropriate to assess the impact of these establishments on the community and to consider changes to its guidelines for permitting new entrants. The Community and Economic Development Department has recommended the existing ordinance be studied to determine: what negative effects adult entertainment businesses have on the community, ways to mitigate the negative effects, and to find alternative locations within the city for adult entertainment businesses. After passing an initial moratorium (Resoultion 4037) on March 1, 2010, and holding a public hearing on March 22, 2010, it was suggested that the issue be revisited. The Planning and Development Committee of the Council expressed interest in including additional areas in the moratorium as well as exploring whether taverns near adult entertainment businesses create additional negative effects.

On April 12, 2010, the City Council rescinded Resolution 4037 and adopted Resolution 4041, declaring a six-month moratorium on business licenses or other permits for any new tavern or new adult entertainment venue near any established adult entertainment venues.

KEY DOCUMENT: Resolution 4041, Declaring a moratorium on the permitting of adult entertainment businesses and taverns, as defined in city code, within specific geographical areas, establishing a public hearing date, and establishing a termination date for the the moratorium.

KEY FINDINGS: On April 12, 2010 the City Council and Mayor Denis Law approved Resoultion 4041 which declared a moratorium on any business license or other permit for any new tavern or new adult entertainment venue near any established adult entertainment venues. The moratorium is to last six months, during which time the city is to research the impact of adult entertainment venues on the community and consider alternative locations for adult entertainment venues. The resolution also called for a public hearing to be held discussing the continuation of the moratorium. The public hearing took place on June 7 at Renton City Hall.