{ "batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_anchor_statutes_index", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Anchor: official index of Texas statutes; source of law for adult business licensing, zoning, and fees in Texas: safety.legal", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The authoritative public index of Texas statutes is the 'Texas Constitution and Statutes' website operated by the Texas Legislature Online (statutes.capitol.texas.gov). The Texas provisions that govern the licensing, zoning, and admission-fee treatment of sexually oriented businesses are Local Government Code Chapter 243, with the admission-fee obligations in Business and Commerce Code Chapter 102.", "body": "The authoritative public index of Texas statutes is the 'Texas Constitution and Statutes' website operated by the Texas Legislature Online (statutes.capitol.texas.gov). The Texas provisions that govern the licensing, zoning, and admission-fee treatment of sexually oriented businesses are Local Government Code Chapter 243, with the admission-fee obligations in Business and Commerce Code Chapter 102.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 243. MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY AUTHORITY TO REGULATE SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS”\n\nNote: Live statutes.capitol.texas.gov pages render only an Angular app shell to plain HTTP fetchers; the official chapter text was obtained from the Internet Archive capture of the state's own page dated 2023-11-18. The anchor index URL itself is https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231118042152/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.243.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 243. MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY AUTHORITY TO REGULATE SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Anchor: official index of Texas statutes; source of law for adult business licensing, zoning, and fees in Texas", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_lg_243_002_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] When a business is a 'sexually oriented business' under Texas Local Government Code: safety.legal", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Under TX LG 243.002 a business is a 'sexually oriented business' if it is one of the listed adult venue types (e.g., sex parlor, nude studio, adult movie theater, adult video store) or any other commercial enterprise whose primary business is offering a service or selling, renting, or exhibiting devices or items intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to the customer.", "body": "Under TX LG 243.002 a business is a 'sexually oriented business' if it is one of the listed adult venue types (e.g., sex parlor, nude studio, adult movie theater, adult video store) or any other commercial enterprise whose primary business is offering a service or selling, renting, or exhibiting devices or items intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to the customer.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“In this chapter, \"sexually oriented business\" means a sex parlor, nude studio, modeling studio, love parlor, adult bookstore, adult movie theater, adult video arcade, adult movie arcade, adult video store, adult motel, or other commercial enterprise the primary business of which is the offering of a service or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer.”\n\nNote: Whether a creator working at home or in a rented space is a 'sexually oriented business' turns on the catch-all, which is qualified by 'primary business'. LG 243.004 exempts ordinary bookstores, movie theaters, and video stores and licensed professionals (psychologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, cosmetologists, barbers, physicians, chiropractors), but does not mention online-only or home-based production; that interpretation is recorded under could_not_verify.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231118042152/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.243.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "In this chapter, \"sexually oriented business\" means a sex parlor, nude studio, modeling studio, love parlor, adult bookstore, adult movie theater, adult video arcade, adult movie arcade, adult video store, adult motel, or other commercial enterprise the primary business of which is the offering of a service or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "When a business is a 'sexually oriented business' under Texas Local Government Code", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_lg_243_003_scope", "category": "Business", "title": "Who may regulate sexually oriented businesses in Texas (municipality vs county): safety.legal", "summary": "Under TX LG 243.003 a municipality or county may adopt regulations on sexually oriented businesses as it considers necessary for public health, safety, or welfare, but a municipality's regulation applies only inside its corporate limits and a county's only outside the corporate limits of municipalities.", "body": "Under TX LG 243.003 a municipality or county may adopt regulations on sexually oriented businesses as it considers necessary for public health, safety, or welfare, but a municipality's regulation applies only inside its corporate limits and a county's only outside the corporate limits of municipalities.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“(b) A regulation adopted by a municipality applies only inside the municipality's corporate limits. (c) A regulation adopted by a county applies only to the parts of the county outside the corporate limits of a municipality.”\n\nNote: Homes and rented spaces in Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas are all inside city limits, so the three city codes in this batch govern; county (unincorporated) rules would apply outside cities. LG 243.010 makes violation of a local regulation a Class A misdemeanor.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231118042152/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.243.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "(b) A regulation adopted by a municipality applies only inside the municipality's corporate limits. (c) A regulation adopted by a county applies only to the parts of the county outside the corporate limits of a municipality.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Who may regulate sexually oriented businesses in Texas (municipality vs county)", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_lg_243_006_buffers", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] State scope of local zoning and buffer rules for sexually oriented businesses: safety.legal", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] TX LG 243.006 lets each municipality or county restrict the location of sexually oriented businesses to particular areas, prohibit them within a distance of a school, regular place of religious worship, residential neighborhood, or other specified land use that the governing body finds inconsistent with an SOB, and restrict the density of SOBs; no fixed distance is set at the state level.", "body": "TX LG 243.006 lets each municipality or county restrict the location of sexually oriented businesses to particular areas, prohibit them within a distance of a school, regular place of religious worship, residential neighborhood, or other specified land use that the governing body finds inconsistent with an SOB, and restrict the density of SOBs; no fixed distance is set at the state level.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“(a) The location of sexually oriented businesses may be: (1) restricted to particular areas; or (2) prohibited within a certain distance of a school, regular place of religious worship, residential neighborhood, or other specified land use the governing body of the municipality or county finds to be inconsistent with the operation of a sexually oriented business.”\n\nNote: This is the state hook that cities exercise through their own ordinances (Houston Sec 28-125, Dallas Sec 41A-13, San Antonio UDC Sec 35-424).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231118042152/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.243.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "(a) The location of sexually oriented businesses may be: (1) restricted to particular areas; or (2) prohibited within a certain distance of a school, regular place of religious worship, residential neighborhood, or other specified land use the governing body of the municipality or county finds to be inconsistent with the operation of a sexually oriented business.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "State scope of local zoning and buffer rules for sexually oriented businesses", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_lg_243_007_licenses", "category": "Business", "title": "State authorization for city/county SOB licenses or permits: safety.legal", "summary": "TX LG 243.007 permits, but does not require, a municipality or county to demand a license or permit for a sexually oriented business and to renew it periodically; denial, suspension, and revocation are handled under the municipality's or county's own regulations. There is no state-issued sexually oriented business license or permit.", "body": "TX LG 243.007 permits, but does not require, a municipality or county to demand a license or permit for a sexually oriented business and to renew it periodically; denial, suspension, and revocation are handled under the municipality's or county's own regulations. There is no state-issued sexually oriented business license or permit.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“(a) A municipality or county may require that an owner or operator of a sexually oriented business obtain a license or other permit or renew a license or other permit on a periodic basis for the operation of a sexually oriented business.”\n\nNote: LG 243.009 lets the municipality or county charge application/investigation fees, and LG 243.0075 requires a 60-day posted on-site sign before an application or first operation. The 'no state licence' conclusion is scoped to LG Ch 243 and BCC Ch 102; see could_not_verify.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231118042152/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.243.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "(a) A municipality or county may require that an owner or operator of a sexually oriented business obtain a license or other permit or renew a license or other permit on a periodic basis for the operation of a sexually oriented business.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "State authorization for city/county SOB licenses or permits", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_bcc_102_051_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "State admission-fee trigger for nightclubs/bars presenting live nude entertainment: money.fees", "summary": "The only automatic state obligation keyed to SOB activity is a fee under BCC Ch 102, and its 'sexually oriented business' is limited to a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial enterprise that provides live nude entertainment or live nude performances to an audience of two or more AND authorizes on-premises alcoholic beverage consumption; it does not cover a content production business without such premises.", "body": "The only automatic state obligation keyed to SOB activity is a fee under BCC Ch 102, and its 'sexually oriented business' is limited to a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial enterprise that provides live nude entertainment or live nude performances to an audience of two or more AND authorizes on-premises alcoholic beverage consumption; it does not cover a content production business without such premises.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“(2) \"Sexually oriented business\" means a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial enterprise that: (A) provides for an audience of two or more individuals live nude entertainment or live nude performances; and (B) authorizes on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether the consumption of alcoholic beverages is under a license or permit issued under the Alcoholic Beverage Code.”\n\nNote: Full chapter text read from the Internet Archive capture of the official BCC 102 page dated 2023-12-07. BCC 102.001 (for sex-offender restrictions) adopts the LG 243.002 definition, not this one.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231207201457/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.102.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "(2) \"Sexually oriented business\" means a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial enterprise that: (A) provides for an audience of two or more individuals live nude entertainment or live nude performances; and (B) authorizes on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages, regardless of whether the consumption of alcoholic beverages is under a license or permit issued under the Alcoholic Beverage Code.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "State admission-fee trigger for nightclubs/bars presenting live nude entertainment", "topic": "money.fees", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_texas_bcc_102_052_fee", "category": "Business", "title": "State SOB admission fee amount: money.fees", "summary": "Under TX BCC 102.052 a fee of $10 per customer entry is imposed on a sexually oriented business as defined in BCC 102.051; it is a per-admission state fee the business remits quarterly to the comptroller (BCC 102.053), not a licence fee for producing content, and the business decides how to fund it.", "body": "Under TX BCC 102.052 a fee of $10 per customer entry is imposed on a sexually oriented business as defined in BCC 102.051; it is a per-admission state fee the business remits quarterly to the comptroller (BCC 102.053), not a licence fee for producing content, and the business decides how to fund it.\n\nWhat State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online) actually says:\n\n“(a) A fee is imposed on a sexually oriented business in an amount equal to $10 for each entry by each customer admitted to the business.”\n\nNote: BCC 102.052(c): the fee is not charged to customers directly; the business chooses how to derive the money. BCC 102.053: quarterly remittance and reports to the comptroller.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231207201457/https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.102.htm", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "State of Texas (Texas Legislature Online)", "evidence_quote": "(a) A fee is imposed on a sexually oriented business in an amount equal to $10 for each entry by each customer admitted to the business.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "State SOB admission fee amount", "topic": "money.fees", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_houston_ch28_art3_28_121_enterprise_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "Houston definition of 'enterprise' (sexually oriented business): safety.legal", "summary": "Houston's Ch 28 Art III permit regime applies to an 'enterprise': an adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult encounter parlor, adult lounge, adult modeling studio, adult movie theatre, or any establishment whose primary business is offering a service or selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or items intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to its customers, distinguished by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.", "body": "Houston's Ch 28 Art III permit regime applies to an 'enterprise': an adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult encounter parlor, adult lounge, adult modeling studio, adult movie theatre, or any establishment whose primary business is offering a service or selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or items intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to its customers, distinguished by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n\nWhat City of Houston (Code of Ordinances, municode) actually says:\n\n“Enterprise. An adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult encounter parlor, adult lounge, adult modeling studio, adult movie theatre or any establishment whose primary business is the offering of a service or the selling, renting or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to its customers, and which is distinguished by or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.”\n\nNote: Code version Aug 6, 2026. 'Enterprise' expressly excludes licensed-professional businesses and retail apparel establishments; it does not mention online-only or home-based production (see could_not_verify).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://r.jina.ai/https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH28MIOFPR_ARTIIISEORBU", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Houston (Code of Ordinances, municode)", "evidence_quote": "Enterprise. An adult bookstore, adult cabaret, adult encounter parlor, adult lounge, adult modeling studio, adult movie theatre or any establishment whose primary business is the offering of a service or the selling, renting or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to its customers, and which is distinguished by or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Houston definition of 'enterprise' (sexually oriented business)", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_houston_ch28_art3_28_122_permit_required", "category": "Business", "title": "Houston permit required to own or operate an enterprise: safety.legal", "summary": "In Houston it is unlawful to own, operate, or conduct any business in an 'enterprise' located within the city unless there is a permit for the enterprise, and the permit must be posted at or near the principal public entrance; the permit is issued by the Director, valid for one year, and subject to an application fee.", "body": "In Houston it is unlawful to own, operate, or conduct any business in an 'enterprise' located within the city unless there is a permit for the enterprise, and the permit must be posted at or near the principal public entrance; the permit is issued by the Director, valid for one year, and subject to an application fee.\n\nWhat City of Houston (Code of Ordinances, municode) actually says:\n\n“(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate or conduct any business in an enterprise located within the city unless there is a permit for the enterprise.”\n\nNote: Sec 28-123 sets application details (intended operator info, fee per the city fee schedule, assumed-name certificate, recorded deed or lease of the property, on-site pending-application signs, newspaper notice); Sec 28-124 makes each permit valid for one year with renewal at least 20 days before expiry.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://r.jina.ai/https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH28MIOFPR_ARTIIISEORBU", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Houston (Code of Ordinances, municode)", "evidence_quote": "(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate or conduct any business in an enterprise located within the city unless there is a permit for the enterprise.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Houston permit required to own or operate an enterprise", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_houston_ch28_art3_28_125_adverse_locations", "category": "Business", "title": "Houston locational denials for enterprise permits (buffers and residential density): safety.legal", "summary": "In Houston a permit must be denied if the enterprise is within 1,500 feet of any school, church, public park, or licensed day-care center; within 1,000 feet of another permitted enterprise; or if 75% or more of the tracts within a 1,500-foot radius circle are residential in character.", "body": "In Houston a permit must be denied if the enterprise is within 1,500 feet of any school, church, public park, or licensed day-care center; within 1,000 feet of another permitted enterprise; or if 75% or more of the tracts within a 1,500-foot radius circle are residential in character.\n\nWhat City of Houston (Code of Ordinances, municode) actually says:\n\n“(1) The applicant's enterprise is located within 1,500 feet of any school, church, public park, or licensed day-care center. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point on the property line of the applicant's enterprise to the nearest point on the property line of such school, church, public park, or licensed day-care center; (2) The applicant's enterprise is located within 1,000 feet of any other enterprise for which there is a permit. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point on the property line of the applicant's enterprise to the nearest point on the property line of any other enterprise; (3) Seventy-five percent or more of the tracts within a circular area, as described herein, are residential in character. The radius of such circular area shall be 1,500 feet, and the center of such circular area shall correspond to the midpoint of a line joining the two most distant points on the boundary of the tract on which the enterprise is located; multifamily tracts shall be counted as multiple residential tracts based upon the tax records acreage of the multifamily tract according to the following formula: each one-eighth acre of land or fraction thereof shall be equivalent to one residential tract. For purposes of this calculation a residential tract or multifamily tract shall be considered to be in the circular area in its entirety if any portion of it lies within the circular area;”\n\nNote: These restrictions normally disqualify a residence in a residential neighborhood where 75% or more of the surrounding tracts are residential. Sec 28-125(a): the Director must grant or deny within 20 days.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://r.jina.ai/https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH28MIOFPR_ARTIIISEORBU", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Houston (Code of Ordinances, municode)", "evidence_quote": "(1) The applicant's enterprise is located within 1,500 feet of any school, church, public park, or licensed day-care center. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point on the property line of the applicant's enterprise to the nearest point on the property line of such school, church, public park, or licensed day-care center; (2) The applicant's enterprise is located within 1,000 feet of any other enterprise for which there is a permit. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point on the property line of the applicant's enterprise to the nearest point on the property line of any other enterprise; (3) Seventy-five percent or more of the tracts within a circular area, as described herein, are residential in character. The radius of such circular area shall be 1,500 feet, and the center of such circular area shall correspond to the midpoint of a line joining the two most distant points on the boundary of the tract on which the enterprise is located; multifamily tracts shall be counted as multiple residential tracts based upon the tax records acreage of the multifamily tract according to the following formula: each one-eighth acre of land or fraction thereof shall be equivalent to one residential tract. For purposes of this calculation a residential tract or multifamily tract shall be considered to be in the circular area in its entirety if any portion of it lies within the circular area;", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Houston locational denials for enterprise permits (buffers and residential density)", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_dallas_41a_2_31_sob_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "Dallas definition of 'sexually oriented business': safety.legal", "summary": "Dallas Ch 41A defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or other commercial enterprise whose primary business is offering a service or selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or items intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to the customer.", "body": "Dallas Ch 41A defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or other commercial enterprise whose primary business is offering a service or selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or items intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to the customer.\n\nWhat City of Dallas (Dallas City Code, American Legal Publishing) actually says:\n\n“(31) SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS means an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or other commercial enterprise the primary business of which is the offering of a service or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer.”\n\nNote: Code version 7/2026 (S-33, current). The catch-all is materially identical to LG 243.002 and is silent on online-only or home-based production (see could_not_verify).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-119049", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Dallas (Dallas City Code, American Legal Publishing)", "evidence_quote": "(31) SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS means an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or other commercial enterprise the primary business of which is the offering of a service or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any other items intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Dallas definition of 'sexually oriented business'", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_dallas_41a_4_license_required", "category": "Business", "title": "Dallas license required to operate a sexually oriented business: safety.legal", "summary": "In Dallas a person commits an offense if they operate a sexually oriented business without a valid license issued by the city for the particular type of business; the application is made to the chief of police, must identify corporate officers, 20%+ owners, and designated operators, and a designated operator must be present on the premises during all hours of operation.", "body": "In Dallas a person commits an offense if they operate a sexually oriented business without a valid license issued by the city for the particular type of business; the application is made to the chief of police, must identify corporate officers, 20%+ owners, and designated operators, and a designated operator must be present on the premises during all hours of operation.\n\nWhat City of Dallas (Dallas City Code, American Legal Publishing) actually says:\n\n“(a) A person commits an offense if he operates a sexually oriented business without a valid license issued by the city for the particular type of business.”\n\nNote: Sec 41A-4(b)-(i) covers the application: premises diagram with floor area, signed applications by officers/20%+ owners, a designated-operator list, and a Texas criminal history report with fingerprint card; (h) makes it an offense to fail to keep a designated operator on premises.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-119140", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Dallas (Dallas City Code, American Legal Publishing)", "evidence_quote": "(a) A person commits an offense if he operates a sexually oriented business without a valid license issued by the city for the particular type of business.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Dallas license required to operate a sexually oriented business", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_dallas_41a_13_location", "category": "Business", "title": "Dallas locational restrictions (1,000-foot buffers) for sexually oriented businesses: safety.legal", "summary": "In Dallas it is an offense to operate, establish, substantially enlarge, or transfer ownership/control of a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a church; a public or private elementary or secondary school; a boundary of a residential or historic district; a public park; the property line of a lot devoted to a residential use; a hospital; or a child-care facility - or within 1,000 feet of another sexually oriented business.", "body": "In Dallas it is an offense to operate, establish, substantially enlarge, or transfer ownership/control of a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of a church; a public or private elementary or secondary school; a boundary of a residential or historic district; a public park; the property line of a lot devoted to a residential use; a hospital; or a child-care facility - or within 1,000 feet of another sexually oriented business.\n\nWhat City of Dallas (Dallas City Code, American Legal Publishing) actually says:\n\n“(a) A person commits an offense if he causes or permits the operation, establishment, substantial enlargement, or transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of: (1) a church; (2) a public or private elementary or secondary school; (3) a boundary of a residential or historic district as defined in this chapter; (4) a public park; (5) the property line of a lot devoted to a residential use as defined in this chapter; (6) a hospital; or (7) a child-care facility. (b) A person commits an offense if he causes or permits the operation, establishment, substantial enlargement, or transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of another sexually oriented business.”\n\nNote: Measurements run in a straight line from the nearest portion of the business's building to the relevant property line (41A-13(d)/(e)); in practice this excludes typical residential lots and historic districts. Sec 41A-2(29) defines 'residential district' and (30) 'residential use'.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-119255", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Dallas (Dallas City Code, American Legal Publishing)", "evidence_quote": "(a) A person commits an offense if he causes or permits the operation, establishment, substantial enlargement, or transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of: (1) a church; (2) a public or private elementary or secondary school; (3) a boundary of a residential or historic district as defined in this chapter; (4) a public park; (5) the property line of a lot devoted to a residential use as defined in this chapter; (6) a hospital; or (7) a child-care facility. (b) A person commits an offense if he causes or permits the operation, establishment, substantial enlargement, or transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business within 1,000 feet of another sexually oriented business.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Dallas locational restrictions (1,000-foot buffers) for sexually oriented businesses", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sanantonio_ch21_21_200_sob_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "San Antonio definition of 'sexually oriented business': safety.legal", "summary": "San Antonio Ch 21 Art IX defines 'sexually oriented business' (SOB) as an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult mini-theater, escort agency, nude modeling studio, unlicensed massage parlor, or any other establishment whose one of its primary business purposes is offering a service, live entertainment, or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or specified anatomical parts intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to the customer, distinguished by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or anatomical areas.", "body": "San Antonio Ch 21 Art IX defines 'sexually oriented business' (SOB) as an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult mini-theater, escort agency, nude modeling studio, unlicensed massage parlor, or any other establishment whose one of its primary business purposes is offering a service, live entertainment, or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or specified anatomical parts intended to provide sexual stimulation or gratification to the customer, distinguished by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or anatomical areas.\n\nWhat City of San Antonio (Code of Ordinances, municode) actually says:\n\n“Sexually oriented business or SOB means an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult mini-theater, escort agency, nude modeling studio, unlicensed massage parlor, or any other establishment whose one of its primary business purposes is the offering of a service, live entertainment or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any specified anatomical parts intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer and which is distinguished by or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.”\n\nNote: Code version Aug 27, 2026. The definition expressly excludes licensed professionals and retail apparel stores and is silent on online-only production (see could_not_verify). Sec 21-200 also defines 'Certificate of occupancy' and states 'A sexually oriented business permit shall not be issued unless a certificate of occupancy is obtained for the premises' (referencing UDC Sec 35-424).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://r.jina.ai/https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH21OFMIPR_ARTIXSEORBU", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of San Antonio (Code of Ordinances, municode)", "evidence_quote": "Sexually oriented business or SOB means an adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult mini-theater, escort agency, nude modeling studio, unlicensed massage parlor, or any other establishment whose one of its primary business purposes is the offering of a service, live entertainment or the selling, renting, or exhibiting of devices or any specified anatomical parts intended to provide sexual stimulation or sexual gratification to the customer and which is distinguished by or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "San Antonio definition of 'sexually oriented business'", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r177_texas_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sanantonio_ch21_21_205_permit_required", "category": "Business", "title": "San Antonio SOB establishment permit required: safety.legal", "summary": "In San Antonio it is unlawful to own, operate, or conduct any business in a sexually oriented business located within the city unless there is a permit for the establishment, and the SOB permit must be posted at or near the principal public entrance to the establishment.", "body": "In San Antonio it is unlawful to own, operate, or conduct any business in a sexually oriented business located within the city unless there is a permit for the establishment, and the SOB permit must be posted at or near the principal public entrance to the establishment.\n\nWhat City of San Antonio (Code of Ordinances, municode) actually says:\n\n“(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate or conduct any business in a sexually oriented business located within the city unless there is a permit for said establishment.”\n\nNote: Sec 21-205(b) requires the permit posted at the principal public entrance; (c) presumes no permit in prosecutions unless posted. Art IX (Divisions 2-3) also requires manager, floor-manager, and entertainer permits and ties the establishment permit to a certificate of occupancy under UDC Sec 35-424.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://r.jina.ai/https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH21OFMIPR_ARTIXSEORBU", "last_verified": "2026-09-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of San Antonio (Code of Ordinances, municode)", "evidence_quote": "(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to own, operate or conduct any business in a sexually oriented business located within the city unless there is a permit for said establishment.", "volatility": "stable", "from_batch": "177-texas-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "San Antonio SOB establishment permit required", "topic": "safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "any", "region": [ "any" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } } ] }