Northville Sets New Standards for Adult Businesses

When it comes to adult-oriented businesses, Northville has decided it's better to regulate than restrict.

City council members Monday approved changes to city ordinance to allow adult businesses but only under tight zoning standards.

The action clears up a discrepancy between city ordinances governing "objectionable activity," which banned such businesses as adult book and video stores, and city zoning law which, in certain instances, would allow them.

It also is designed to be more consistent with state standards and reduce the possibility of any potential business owner could file suit against the city.

"The more recent updated language is in our zoning ordinance," city Manager Patrick Sullivan told council members.

Councilwoman Nancy Darga noted the discrepancy between the city and zoning ordinances.

"In one you say you're not allowing it but in the other you're regulating it," she said.

Northville currently has no such businesses. City zoning standards were revised in 2005.

In other action, city officials approved two measures with an eye toward the fall.

Council members officially set this year's Halloween trick-or-treat hours for 6-8 p.m. on Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31. As was the case last year, streets in the city's historic district will be closed to promote child safety.

They also appointed Councilman Jim Allen as election commissioner for the Nov. 8 city election.