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Zoning Office to help adult businesses
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Posted on Feb 02 2009
The Commonwealth Zoning Board will soon conduct surveys to help adult businesses comply with the Saipan Zoning Law.
“Since last August, adult businesses on Saipan were supposed to meet the building and sign design requirements of the Saipan Zoning Law. We have given them extra time to make the required changes but many still have work to do. We will do a survey of adult businesses in Garapan to inform as many businesses as we can about how to comply. We hope adult businesses will take notice because after March 1, 2009, we will begin issuing fines to businesses that don’t comply. The fines may be up to $1,000 per day,” said Zoning administrator Steve Tilley.
The term adult business includes massage parlors, strip clubs, porno shops, and other places that meet the specific definition in the Saipan Zoning Law. Bars and karaoke clubs that have bar girls or hostesses but do not display specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities are not considered to be adult businesses. Mainline video stores that have an adult section where minors are not allowed may also be exempt. The exact language of the law can be found on the Zoning office’s website: www.zoning.gov.mp.
Some examples of the requirements for adult business building design are: screening openings so the public can’t see inside; posting signs to prevent minors from entering; no outdoor loudspeakers; lighted walkways; and clean and neat exterior. Examples of the requirements for adult business signs are: not using flashing lights, neon or other internally illuminated signs or up-lighting; using English text with non-English in exact translation and not larger than the English; not more than one primary and one secondary sign that meet specific size requirements; and using solid color letters and background.
“We are trying to improve the amenity and image of Saipan. This will help revive our tourism economy and make Garapan and other parts of Saipan a more enjoyable experience for our own families,” said Tilley.
Adult business owners should contact the Zoning Office to request an inspection and find out how to comply at 234-9661 or e-mail staff@zoning.gov.mp. [B][I](Zoning)[/I][/B]
