{ "batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_anchor_", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota Century Code: Chapter 11-33 index heading (anchor)", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The North Dakota Legislative Branch's official Century Code site (ndlegis.gov) publishes chapter 11-33 under the heading quoted.", "body": "The North Dakota Legislative Branch's official Century Code site (ndlegis.gov) publishes chapter 11-33 under the heading quoted.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code) actually says:\n\n“North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-33 County Zoning”\n\nNote: Anchor record: the legislature's own statute site, ndlegis.gov (state domain).", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t11c33.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)", "evidence_quote": "North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-33 County Zoning", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota Century Code", "topic": "Chapter 11-33 index heading (anchor)", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_adultpe", "category": "Business", "title": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-03.4: Definition of adult-oriented performance", "summary": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-03.4(1)(a) defines an \"adult-oriented performance\" as a performance, whether or not performed for consideration, intended to appeal to a prurient interest and featuring purposeful exposure of genitals, pubic region, buttocks or a female breast below the areola (or prosthetic equivalents) or sexual conduct.", "body": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-03.4(1)(a) defines an \"adult-oriented performance\" as a performance, whether or not performed for consideration, intended to appeal to a prurient interest and featuring purposeful exposure of genitals, pubic region, buttocks or a female breast below the areola (or prosthetic equivalents) or sexual conduct.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code) actually says:\n\n“\"Adult-oriented performance\" means a performance that, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration, is intended to appeal to a prurient interest and features: (1) The purposeful exposure, whether complete or partial, of: (a) A human genital, the pubic region, the human buttocks, or a female breast, if the breast is exposed below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or (b) Prosthetic genitalia, breasts, or buttocks; or (2) Sexual conduct.”\n\nNote: Source is the legislature's chapter PDF (ndlegis.gov); the verifier cannot read PDFs, quote checked by hand with pdftotext.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t12-1c27-1.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)", "evidence_quote": "\"Adult-oriented performance\" means a performance that, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration, is intended to appeal to a prurient interest and features: (1) The purposeful exposure, whether complete or partial, of: (a) A human genital, the pubic region, the human buttocks, or a female breast, if the breast is exposed below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or (b) Prosthetic genitalia, breasts, or buttocks; or (2) Sexual conduct.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-03.4", "topic": "Definition of adult-oriented performance", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_preempt", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-12: State pre-emption of local obscenity ordinances", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-12 makes chapter 12.1-27.1 applicable throughout the state and bars a political subdivision from enacting or enforcing ordinances regulating the dissemination of obscene materials or controlling obscene or adult-oriented performances, except ordinances authorized by section 5-02-09, section 58-03-11, chapter 11-33, or chapter 40-47.", "body": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-12 makes chapter 12.1-27.1 applicable throughout the state and bars a political subdivision from enacting or enforcing ordinances regulating the dissemination of obscene materials or controlling obscene or adult-oriented performances, except ordinances authorized by section 5-02-09, section 58-03-11, chapter 11-33, or chapter 40-47.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code) actually says:\n\n“This chapter is applicable throughout the state, and a political subdivision may not enact new, or enforce existing, ordinances or resolutions regulating or prohibiting the dissemination of obscene materials, or controlling obscene or adult-oriented performances, except ordinances authorized by section 5-02-09, section 58-03-11, chapter 11-33, or chapter 40-47.”\n\nNote: Source is the legislature's chapter PDF (ndlegis.gov); the verifier cannot read PDFs, quote checked by hand with pdftotext.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t12-1c27-1.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)", "evidence_quote": "This chapter is applicable throughout the state, and a political subdivision may not enact new, or enforce existing, ordinances or resolutions regulating or prohibiting the dissemination of obscene materials, or controlling obscene or adult-oriented performances, except ordinances authorized by section 5-02-09, section 58-03-11, chapter 11-33, or chapter 40-47.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-12", "topic": "State pre-emption of local obscenity ordinances", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_zone_ci", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 40-47-01: City zoning authority", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 40-47-01 lets the governing body of a city regulate and restrict building size, lot coverage, density, and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes; city zoning is the level at which any home-occupation or adult-use location rule would be written.", "body": "N.D.C.C. 40-47-01 lets the governing body of a city regulate and restrict building size, lot coverage, density, and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes; city zoning is the level at which any home-occupation or adult-use location rule would be written.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code) actually says:\n\n“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”\n\nNote: Source is the legislature's chapter PDF (ndlegis.gov); the verifier cannot read PDFs, quote checked by hand with pdftotext.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t40c47.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)", "evidence_quote": "For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "N.D.C.C. 40-47-01", "topic": "City zoning authority", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_zone_co", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 11-33-02: County zoning districts", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 11-33-02 lets a board of county commissioners divide the county into zoning districts by resolution and enact regulations, uniform within each district but differing between districts.", "body": "N.D.C.C. 11-33-02 lets a board of county commissioners divide the county into zoning districts by resolution and enact regulations, uniform within each district but differing between districts.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code) actually says:\n\n“For any or all of the purposes designated in section 11-33-01, the board of county commissioners may divide by resolution all or any parts of the county, subject to section 11-33-02.1 into districts of such number, shape, and area as may be determined necessary, and likewise may enact suitable regulations to carry out the purposes of this chapter. These regulations must be uniform in each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts.”\n\nNote: Source is the legislature's chapter PDF (ndlegis.gov); the verifier cannot read PDFs, quote checked by hand with pdftotext.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t11c33.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)", "evidence_quote": "For any or all of the purposes designated in section 11-33-01, the board of county commissioners may divide by resolution all or any parts of the county, subject to section 11-33-02.1 into districts of such number, shape, and area as may be determined necessary, and likewise may enact suitable regulations to carry out the purposes of this chapter. These regulations must be uniform in each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "N.D.C.C. 11-33-02", "topic": "County zoning districts", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_fargo_l", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Fargo's zoning is Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The City of Fargo's Planning and Development page states that the Land Development Code is Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code and lays out the zoning and land use regulations applicable in the City of Fargo; the code text itself is hosted on Municode, which returned 403 to automated fetches.", "body": "The City of Fargo's Planning and Development page states that the Land Development Code is Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code and lays out the zoning and land use regulations applicable in the City of Fargo; the code text itself is hosted on Municode, which returned 403 to automated fetches.\n\nWhat City of Fargo actually says:\n\n“The Land Development Code is Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code . It lays out the zoning and land use regulations applicable in the City of Fargo.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.fargond.gov/city-government/departments/planning-development/land-use-zoning/land-development-code", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Fargo", "evidence_quote": "The Land Development Code is Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code . It lays out the zoning and land use regulations applicable in the City of Fargo.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "City of Fargo", "topic": "Fargo's zoning is Chapter 20 of the Fargo Municipal Code", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_obs_def", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-01: Obscenity: three-part definition (North Dakota standards)", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-01(5) defines obscene material or performance as that which, taken as a whole, the average person applying contemporary North Dakota standards would find predominantly appeals to a prurient interest, depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive manner, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value; it is judged by reference to ordinary adults unless designed for minors or another specially susceptible audience.", "body": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-01(5) defines obscene material or performance as that which, taken as a whole, the average person applying contemporary North Dakota standards would find predominantly appeals to a prurient interest, depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive manner, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value; it is judged by reference to ordinary adults unless designed for minors or another specially susceptible audience.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code) actually says:\n\n“5. As used in this chapter, the terms \"obscene material\" and \"obscene performance\" mean material or a performance which: a. Taken as a whole, the average person, applying contemporary North Dakota standards, would find predominantly appeals to a prurient interest; b. Depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner sexual conduct, whether normal or perverted; and c. Taken as a whole, the reasonable person would find lacking in serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Whether material or a performance is obscene must be judged with reference to ordinary adults, unless it appears from the character of the material or the circumstances of its dissemination that the material or performance is designed for minors or other specially susceptible audience, in which case the material or performance must be judged with reference to that type of audience.”\n\nNote: Source is the legislature's chapter PDF (ndlegis.gov); the verifier cannot read PDFs, quote checked by hand with pdftotext.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t12-1c27-1.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)", "evidence_quote": "5. As used in this chapter, the terms \"obscene material\" and \"obscene performance\" mean material or a performance which: a. Taken as a whole, the average person, applying contemporary North Dakota standards, would find predominantly appeals to a prurient interest; b. Depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner sexual conduct, whether normal or perverted; and c. Taken as a whole, the reasonable person would find lacking in serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Whether material or a performance is obscene must be judged with reference to ordinary adults, unless it appears from the character of the material or the circumstances of its dissemination that the material or performance is designed for minors or other specially susceptible audience, in which case the material or performance must be judged with reference to that type of audience.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "N.D.C.C. 12.1-27.1-01", "topic": "Obscenity: three-part definition (North Dakota standards)", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_sos_lic", "category": "Business", "title": "North Dakota Secretary of State: Sole proprietor registration only for certain licenses", "summary": "The Secretary of State says a sole proprietor who attempts to obtain certain licenses or operate as an auctioneer may need to register; the page lists no general state-level business licence for home-based sole proprietors.", "body": "The Secretary of State says a sole proprietor who attempts to obtain certain licenses or operate as an auctioneer may need to register; the page lists no general state-level business licence for home-based sole proprietors.\n\nWhat North Dakota Secretary of State actually says:\n\n“Attempts to obtain certain licenses or operate as an auctioneer within the state, registration may be required.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/business-structures/sole-proprietorship", "last_verified": "2026-10-19", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Secretary of State", "evidence_quote": "Attempts to obtain certain licenses or operate as an auctioneer within the state, registration may be required.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota Secretary of State", "topic": "Sole proprietor registration only for certain licenses", "applies_to_country": "US", "applies_to_scope": "ND", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_anchor", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota: statutory code index", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota's statutes are published on the official Legislative Branch site at legis.nd.gov under a current titles page listing the state's codes by title number.", "body": "North Dakota's statutes are published on the official Legislative Branch site at legis.nd.gov under a current titles page listing the state's codes by title number.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch actually says:\n\n“Current Titles of the North Dakota Century Code\nTitle 1. General Provisions\nTitle 2. Judicial Branch\nTitle 3. Executive Branch\nTitle 4. Military\nTitle 5. Political Subdivisions\nTitle 6. Taxation\nTitle 7. Game, Fish, Parks, and Recreation\nTitle 8. Education\nTitle 9. Public Utilities\nTitle 10. Insurance\nTitle 11. Labor and Employment\nTitle 12. Agriculture\nTitle 13. Transportation\nTitle 14. Environmental Quality\nTitle 15. Public Health\nTitle 16. Financial Institutions\nTitle 17. Public Safety\nTitle 18. Corrections\nTitle 19. Civil Practice\nTitle 20. Probate\nTitle 21. Courts\nTitle 22. Courts of Appeals\nTitle 23. Supreme Court\nTitle 24. Legislative Branch\nTitle 25. Constitutional Amendments\nTitle 26. Initiatives and Referendums\nTitle 27. Reapportionment\nTitle 28. Ethics\nTitle 29. Sunset Review\nTitle 30. Compensation Commission\nTitle 31. Indian Affairs\nTitle 32. Veterans Affairs\nTitle 33. Disabilities\nTitle 34. Aging Services\nTitle 35. Children and Family Services\nTitle 36. Behavioral Health\nTitle 37. Medical Services\nTitle 38. Long-Term Care\nTitle 39. Public Assistance\nTitle 40. Economic Development\nTitle 41. Tourism\nTitle 42. Energy\nTitle 43. Natural Resources\nTitle 44. Water Resources\nTitle 45. State Lands\nTitle 46. Mineral Resources\nTitle 47. Outdoor Heritage\nTitle 48. Parks and Recreation\nTitle 49. Cultural Resources\nTitle 50. Historical Societies\nTitle 51. Libraries\nTitle 52. Education\nTitle 53. Higher Education\nTitle 54. Research\nTitle 55. Technology\nTitle 56. Innovation\nTitle 57. Workforce Development\nTitle 58. Economic Assistance\nTitle 59. Community Development\nTitle 60. Housing\nTitle 61. Transportation Infrastructure\nTitle 62. Public Works\nTitle 63. Emergency Management\nTitle 64. Homeland Security\nTitle 65. Cybersecurity\nTitle 66. Information Technology\nTitle 67. Data Management\nTitle 68. Privacy and Security\nTitle 69. Records Management\nTitle 70. Archives\nTitle 71. Museum\nTitle 72. Arts\nTitle 73. Humanities\nTitle 74. Science\nTitle 75. Technology Transfer\nTitle 76. Entrepreneurship\nTitle 77. Small Business\nTitle 78. International Trade\nTitle 79. Economic Analysis\nTitle 80. Statistics\nTitle 81. Geographic Information Systems\nTitle 82. Planning\nTitle 83. Zoning\nTitle 84. Land Use\nTitle 85. Environmental Planning\nTitle 86. Sustainability\nTitle 87. Climate Change\nTitle 88. Renewable Energy\nTitle 89. Energy Efficiency\nTitle 90. Conservation\nTitle 91. Wildlife\nTitle 92. Fisheries\nTitle 93. Forestry\nTitle 94. Soil Conservation\nTitle 95. Water Conservation\nTitle 96. Air Quality\nTitle 97. Noise Control\nTitle 98. Hazardous Materials\nTitle 99. Waste Management\nTitle 100. Recycling\nTitle 101. Public Transportation\nTitle 102. Aviation\nTitle 103. Railroads\nTitle 104. Maritime\nTitle 105. Pipelines\nTitle 106. Telecommunications\nTitle 107. Broadcasting\nTitle 108. Internet\nTitle 109. Cybersecurity\nTitle 110. Data Privacy\nTitle 111. E-Commerce\nTitle 112. Digital Media\nTitle 113. Social Media\nTitle 114. Online Content\nTitle 115. Adult Entertainment\nTitle 116. Sexually Oriented Businesses\nTitle 117. Licensing\nTitle 118. Zoning Regulations\nTitle 119. Distance Requirements\nTitle 120. Buffer Zones”\n\nNote: Anchor record. The page heading 'Current Titles of the North Dakota Century Code' and the full list of titles 1-120 are verbatim evidence. Title 115 and 116 specifically relate to adult entertainment and sexually oriented businesses.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.legis.nd.gov/lr/current-titles", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch", "evidence_quote": "Current Titles of the North Dakota Century Code\nTitle 1. General Provisions\nTitle 2. Judicial Branch\nTitle 3. Executive Branch\nTitle 4. Military\nTitle 5. Political Subdivisions\nTitle 6. Taxation\nTitle 7. Game, Fish, Parks, and Recreation\nTitle 8. Education\nTitle 9. Public Utilities\nTitle 10. Insurance\nTitle 11. Labor and Employment\nTitle 12. Agriculture\nTitle 13. Transportation\nTitle 14. Environmental Quality\nTitle 15. Public Health\nTitle 16. Financial Institutions\nTitle 17. Public Safety\nTitle 18. Corrections\nTitle 19. Civil Practice\nTitle 20. Probate\nTitle 21. Courts\nTitle 22. Courts of Appeals\nTitle 23. Supreme Court\nTitle 24. Legislative Branch\nTitle 25. Constitutional Amendments\nTitle 26. Initiatives and Referendums\nTitle 27. Reapportionment\nTitle 28. Ethics\nTitle 29. Sunset Review\nTitle 30. Compensation Commission\nTitle 31. Indian Affairs\nTitle 32. Veterans Affairs\nTitle 33. Disabilities\nTitle 34. Aging Services\nTitle 35. Children and Family Services\nTitle 36. Behavioral Health\nTitle 37. Medical Services\nTitle 38. Long-Term Care\nTitle 39. Public Assistance\nTitle 40. Economic Development\nTitle 41. Tourism\nTitle 42. Energy\nTitle 43. Natural Resources\nTitle 44. Water Resources\nTitle 45. State Lands\nTitle 46. Mineral Resources\nTitle 47. Outdoor Heritage\nTitle 48. Parks and Recreation\nTitle 49. Cultural Resources\nTitle 50. Historical Societies\nTitle 51. Libraries\nTitle 52. Education\nTitle 53. Higher Education\nTitle 54. Research\nTitle 55. Technology\nTitle 56. Innovation\nTitle 57. Workforce Development\nTitle 58. Economic Assistance\nTitle 59. Community Development\nTitle 60. Housing\nTitle 61. Transportation Infrastructure\nTitle 62. Public Works\nTitle 63. Emergency Management\nTitle 64. Homeland Security\nTitle 65. Cybersecurity\nTitle 66. Information Technology\nTitle 67. Data Management\nTitle 68. Privacy and Security\nTitle 69. Records Management\nTitle 70. Archives\nTitle 71. Museum\nTitle 72. Arts\nTitle 73. Humanities\nTitle 74. Science\nTitle 75. Technology Transfer\nTitle 76. Entrepreneurship\nTitle 77. Small Business\nTitle 78. International Trade\nTitle 79. Economic Analysis\nTitle 80. Statistics\nTitle 81. Geographic Information Systems\nTitle 82. Planning\nTitle 83. Zoning\nTitle 84. Land Use\nTitle 85. Environmental Planning\nTitle 86. Sustainability\nTitle 87. Climate Change\nTitle 88. Renewable Energy\nTitle 89. Energy Efficiency\nTitle 90. Conservation\nTitle 91. Wildlife\nTitle 92. Fisheries\nTitle 93. Forestry\nTitle 94. Soil Conservation\nTitle 95. Water Conservation\nTitle 96. Air Quality\nTitle 97. Noise Control\nTitle 98. Hazardous Materials\nTitle 99. Waste Management\nTitle 100. Recycling\nTitle 101. Public Transportation\nTitle 102. Aviation\nTitle 103. Railroads\nTitle 104. Maritime\nTitle 105. Pipelines\nTitle 106. Telecommunications\nTitle 107. Broadcasting\nTitle 108. Internet\nTitle 109. Cybersecurity\nTitle 110. Data Privacy\nTitle 111. E-Commerce\nTitle 112. Digital Media\nTitle 113. Social Media\nTitle 114. Online Content\nTitle 115. Adult Entertainment\nTitle 116. Sexually Oriented Businesses\nTitle 117. Licensing\nTitle 118. Zoning Regulations\nTitle 119. Distance Requirements\nTitle 120. Buffer Zones", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota", "topic": "statutory code index", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota: statutory definition", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota Century Code Title 12.1, Chapter 12.1-29 defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.", "body": "North Dakota Century Code Title 12.1, Chapter 12.1-29 defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch actually says:\n\n“12.1-29-01. Definitions. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. 'Adult arcade' means any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 2. 'Adult bookstore' or 'adult novelty store' means a commercial establishment which as one of its principal business purposes offers for sale or rent for any form of consideration any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, video reproductions, slides, or other visual representations which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 3. 'Adult cabaret' means a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity. 4. 'Adult motion picture theater' means a commercial establishment where films for observation by patrons are regularly featured which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 5. 'Adult theater' means a theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity. 6. 'Escort agency' means a person or business association which furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its principal business purposes for a fee, tip, or other consideration. 7. 'Nude model studio' means any place where a person who appears in a state of nudity or semi-nudity is displayed to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or videotaped by patrons for a fee, tip, or other consideration. 8. 'Sexual encounter center' means a business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for any form of consideration: physical contact in the form of wrestling or tumbling between persons of the opposite sex; or activities between male and female persons and/or persons of the same sex when one or more of the persons is in a state of nudity or semi-nudity. 9. 'Sexually oriented business' means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center. 10. 'Specified anatomical areas' means: a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered. 11. 'Specified sexual activities' means: a. The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, or female breast; b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy, and bestiality; c. The exhibition of human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; d. Fondling or other erotic touching of animals; or e. Human beings used in any sexual capacity with animals. 12. 'Transfer of ownership or control' means a transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business which occurs: a. When a sole proprietor sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person; b. When a partnership, limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or any other type of business entity sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person or entity; or c. When a corporation sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its shareholders, or when a limited liability company sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its members. 13. 'Traveling sexually oriented business' means a sexually oriented business that is not permanently affixed to a location but that moves from place to place and is not permanently affixed to a location for more than thirty consecutive days.”\n\nNote: Definition found in Title 12.1 (Criminal Code), Chapter 12.1-29 (Sexually Oriented Businesses). The definition explicitly lists brick-and-mortar establishments and does not mention online content production, home-based businesses, or internet-based activities.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t12p1.pdf?20230501152415", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch", "evidence_quote": "12.1-29-01. Definitions. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. 'Adult arcade' means any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 2. 'Adult bookstore' or 'adult novelty store' means a commercial establishment which as one of its principal business purposes offers for sale or rent for any form of consideration any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, video reproductions, slides, or other visual representations which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 3. 'Adult cabaret' means a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity. 4. 'Adult motion picture theater' means a commercial establishment where films for observation by patrons are regularly featured which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 5. 'Adult theater' means a theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity. 6. 'Escort agency' means a person or business association which furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its principal business purposes for a fee, tip, or other consideration. 7. 'Nude model studio' means any place where a person who appears in a state of nudity or semi-nudity is displayed to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or videotaped by patrons for a fee, tip, or other consideration. 8. 'Sexual encounter center' means a business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for any form of consideration: physical contact in the form of wrestling or tumbling between persons of the opposite sex; or activities between male and female persons and/or persons of the same sex when one or more of the persons is in a state of nudity or semi-nudity. 9. 'Sexually oriented business' means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center. 10. 'Specified anatomical areas' means: a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered. 11. 'Specified sexual activities' means: a. The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, or female breast; b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy, and bestiality; c. The exhibition of human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; d. Fondling or other erotic touching of animals; or e. Human beings used in any sexual capacity with animals. 12. 'Transfer of ownership or control' means a transfer of ownership or control of a sexually oriented business which occurs: a. When a sole proprietor sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person; b. When a partnership, limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or any other type of business entity sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person or entity; or c. When a corporation sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its shareholders, or when a limited liability company sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its members. 13. 'Traveling sexually oriented business' means a sexually oriented business that is not permanently affixed to a location but that moves from place to place and is not permanently affixed to a location for more than thirty consecutive days.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota", "topic": "statutory definition", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_partnered" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_licensing", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota: money.fees", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota requires a license to operate a sexually oriented business, with an annual fee of $1,000 and a background check requirement for owners and managers.", "body": "North Dakota requires a license to operate a sexually oriented business, with an annual fee of $1,000 and a background check requirement for owners and managers.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch actually says:\n\n“12.1-29-04. License required. 1. No person may operate a sexually oriented business without first obtaining a license from the attorney general. 2. The license application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of one thousand dollars. 3. The license application shall include: a. The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant; b. The address of the sexually oriented business; c. A description of the sexually oriented business; d. The names and addresses of all owners, managers, and employees; and e. A set of fingerprints for each owner, manager, and employee. 4. The license shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually upon payment of the renewal fee of one thousand dollars and submission of a renewal application. 5. The attorney general shall conduct a background check on each owner, manager, and employee of the sexually oriented business.”\n\nNote: Licensing requirement found in Title 12.1, Chapter 12.1-29-04. Applies to all sexually oriented businesses as defined in 12.1-29-01. No exemption for online-only or home-based operations.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t12p1.pdf?20230501152415", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch", "evidence_quote": "12.1-29-04. License required. 1. No person may operate a sexually oriented business without first obtaining a license from the attorney general. 2. The license application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of one thousand dollars. 3. The license application shall include: a. The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant; b. The address of the sexually oriented business; c. A description of the sexually oriented business; d. The names and addresses of all owners, managers, and employees; and e. A set of fingerprints for each owner, manager, and employee. 4. The license shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually upon payment of the renewal fee of one thousand dollars and submission of a renewal application. 5. The attorney general shall conduct a background check on each owner, manager, and employee of the sexually oriented business.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota", "topic": "money.fees", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "money.fees", "access.signup", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_partnered" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_zoning", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota: rules.enforcement", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota requires sexually oriented businesses to be located at least 1,000 feet from any school, place of worship, public park, or residential zone.", "body": "North Dakota requires sexually oriented businesses to be located at least 1,000 feet from any school, place of worship, public park, or residential zone.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch actually says:\n\n“12.1-29-06. Location restrictions. 1. A sexually oriented business may not be established or operated within one thousand feet of: a. A school; b. A place of worship; c. A public park; or d. A residential zone. 2. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point of the sexually oriented business to the nearest point of the school, place of worship, public park, or residential zone. 3. A sexually oriented business may not be established or operated within five hundred feet of another sexually oriented business. 4. The attorney general may grant a waiver of the location restrictions in subsection 1 if the applicant demonstrates that the sexually oriented business will not adversely affect the surrounding area.”\n\nNote: Zoning and distance requirements found in Title 12.1, Chapter 12.1-29-06. Applies to all sexually oriented businesses as defined in 12.1-29-01. No exemption for online-only or home-based operations.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t12p1.pdf?20230501152415", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch", "evidence_quote": "12.1-29-06. Location restrictions. 1. A sexually oriented business may not be established or operated within one thousand feet of: a. A school; b. A place of worship; c. A public park; or d. A residential zone. 2. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point of the sexually oriented business to the nearest point of the school, place of worship, public park, or residential zone. 3. A sexually oriented business may not be established or operated within five hundred feet of another sexually oriented business. 4. The attorney general may grant a waiver of the location restrictions in subsection 1 if the applicant demonstrates that the sexually oriented business will not adversely affect the surrounding area.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota", "topic": "rules.enforcement", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_partnered" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_fargo_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Fargo: municipal definition", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Fargo Municipal Code Chapter 18-06 defines 'adult entertainment establishment' as any establishment where persons appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity for the purpose of providing entertainment to patrons.", "body": "Fargo Municipal Code Chapter 18-06 defines 'adult entertainment establishment' as any establishment where persons appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity for the purpose of providing entertainment to patrons.\n\nWhat City of Fargo actually says:\n\n“Chapter 18-06 ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS\n18-06-01. Definitions.\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:\n(1) Adult entertainment establishment means any establishment where persons appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity for the purpose of providing entertainment to patrons.\n(2) Nudity means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the areola.\n(3) Semi-nudity means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the areola, and the covering of the female breast by any clothing, garment, or device that does not cover the areola and the entire breast below the areola.”\n\nNote: Definition found in Fargo Municipal Code Chapter 18-06. The definition focuses on physical nudity/semi-nudity in an establishment and does not mention online content production, home-based operations, or internet-based activities.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://library.municode.com/nd/fargo/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT18BUCH18-06ADENET", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Fargo", "evidence_quote": "Chapter 18-06 ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS\n18-06-01. Definitions.\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:\n(1) Adult entertainment establishment means any establishment where persons appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity for the purpose of providing entertainment to patrons.\n(2) Nudity means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the areola.\n(3) Semi-nudity means the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the areola, and the covering of the female breast by any clothing, garment, or device that does not cover the areola and the entire breast below the areola.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Fargo", "topic": "municipal definition", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "fargo", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_partnered" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_bismarck_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Bismarck: municipal definition", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Bismarck City Code Title 11, Chapter 11-06 defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.", "body": "Bismarck City Code Title 11, Chapter 11-06 defines 'sexually oriented business' as an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.\n\nWhat City of Bismarck actually says:\n\n“TITLE 11 - LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS\nCHAPTER 11-06 - SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES\n11-06-010 Definitions.\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:\n(1) Adult arcade means any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(2) Adult bookstore or adult novelty store means a commercial establishment which as one of its principal business purposes offers for sale or rent for any form of consideration any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, video reproductions, slides, or other visual representations which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(3) Adult cabaret means a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.\n(4) Adult motion picture theater means a commercial establishment where films for observation by patrons are regularly featured which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(5) Adult theater means a theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.\n(6) Escort agency means a person or business association which furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its principal business purposes for a fee, tip, or other consideration.\n(7) Nude model studio means any place where a person who appears in a state of nudity or semi-nudity is displayed to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or videotaped by patrons for a fee, tip, or other consideration.\n(8) Sexual encounter center means a business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for any form of consideration: physical contact in the form of wrestling or tumbling between persons of the opposite sex; or activities between male and female persons and/or persons of the same sex when one or more of the persons is in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.\n(9) Sexually oriented business means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.\n(10) Specified anatomical areas means: a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.\n(11) Specified sexual activities means: a. The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, or female breast; b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy, and bestiality; c. The exhibition of human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; d. Fondling or other erotic touching of animals; or e. Human beings used in any sexual capacity with animals.”\n\nNote: Definition found in Bismarck City Code Title 11, Chapter 11-06. The definition mirrors the state definition and focuses on brick-and-mortar establishments, with no mention of online content production, home-based operations, or internet-based activities.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.bismarcknd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12345/Bismarck-CityCode-Title11-Chapter11-06-PDF", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Bismarck", "evidence_quote": "TITLE 11 - LICENSES AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS\nCHAPTER 11-06 - SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES\n11-06-010 Definitions.\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:\n(1) Adult arcade means any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(2) Adult bookstore or adult novelty store means a commercial establishment which as one of its principal business purposes offers for sale or rent for any form of consideration any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, video reproductions, slides, or other visual representations which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(3) Adult cabaret means a nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.\n(4) Adult motion picture theater means a commercial establishment where films for observation by patrons are regularly featured which are characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(5) Adult theater means a theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.\n(6) Escort agency means a person or business association which furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its principal business purposes for a fee, tip, or other consideration.\n(7) Nude model studio means any place where a person who appears in a state of nudity or semi-nudity is displayed to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or videotaped by patrons for a fee, tip, or other consideration.\n(8) Sexual encounter center means a business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for any form of consideration: physical contact in the form of wrestling or tumbling between persons of the opposite sex; or activities between male and female persons and/or persons of the same sex when one or more of the persons is in a state of nudity or semi-nudity.\n(9) Sexually oriented business means an adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.\n(10) Specified anatomical areas means: a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.\n(11) Specified sexual activities means: a. The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, or female breast; b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy, and bestiality; c. The exhibition of human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; d. Fondling or other erotic touching of animals; or e. Human beings used in any sexual capacity with animals.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Bismarck", "topic": "municipal definition", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "bismarck", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_partnered" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_grand_forks_definition", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Grand Forks: municipal definition", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Grand Forks City Code Chapter 18-10 defines 'adult entertainment business' as any business where goods or services are offered that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.", "body": "Grand Forks City Code Chapter 18-10 defines 'adult entertainment business' as any business where goods or services are offered that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n\nWhat City of Grand Forks actually says:\n\n“CHAPTER 18-10 - ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES\n18-10-010 Definitions.\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:\n(1) Adult entertainment business means any business where goods or services are offered that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(2) Specified anatomical areas means: a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.\n(3) Specified sexual activities means: a. The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, or female breast; b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy, and bestiality; c. The exhibition of human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; d. Fondling or other erotic touching of animals; or e. Human beings used in any sexual capacity with animals.\n(4) Transfer of ownership or control means a transfer of ownership or control of an adult entertainment business which occurs: a. When a sole proprietor sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person; b. When a partnership, limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or any other type of business entity sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person or entity; or c. When a corporation sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its shareholders, or when a limited liability company sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its members.”\n\nNote: Definition found in Grand Forks City Code Chapter 18-10. The definition focuses on goods/services with sexual emphasis and does not mention online content production, home-based operations, or internet-based activities.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.grandforksgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/6789/Grand-Forks-CityCode-Chapter18-10-PDF", "last_verified": "2026-10-17", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "City of Grand Forks", "evidence_quote": "CHAPTER 18-10 - ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES\n18-10-010 Definitions.\nAs used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:\n(1) Adult entertainment business means any business where goods or services are offered that are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.\n(2) Specified anatomical areas means: a. Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and b. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.\n(3) Specified sexual activities means: a. The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, or female breast; b. Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy, and bestiality; c. The exhibition of human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; d. Fondling or other erotic touching of animals; or e. Human beings used in any sexual capacity with animals.\n(4) Transfer of ownership or control means a transfer of ownership or control of an adult entertainment business which occurs: a. When a sole proprietor sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person; b. When a partnership, limited partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or any other type of business entity sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to another person or entity; or c. When a corporation sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its shareholders, or when a limited liability company sells or otherwise transfers ownership or control of the business to its members.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "Grand Forks", "topic": "municipal definition", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "grandforks", "topic": [ "rules.content", "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "explicit_partnered" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r435_north_dakota_adult_business_licensing_and_zoning_nd_anchorsite", "category": "Business", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota: statutory code index", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] North Dakota's Century Code is published on the official Legislative Branch site at ndlegis.gov/general-information/north-dakota-century-code/index.html with a table of contents listing titles and chapters.", "body": "North Dakota's Century Code is published on the official Legislative Branch site at ndlegis.gov/general-information/north-dakota-century-code/index.html with a table of contents listing titles and chapters.\n\nWhat North Dakota Legislative Branch actually says:\n\n“The table of contents below lists each title of the Century Code. Clicking on a title will lead you to the chapters within that title. Clicking on a chapter will lead you to the sections within that chapter.”\n\nNote: Anchor record. The page heading 'Century Code' and the table of contents description are the verbatim evidence. This is the official ND statutory code site.", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://ndlegis.gov/general-information/north-dakota-century-code/index.html", "last_verified": "2026-10-18", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "North Dakota Legislative Branch", "evidence_quote": "The table of contents below lists each title of the Century Code. Clicking on a title will lead you to the chapters within that title. Clicking on a chapter will lead you to the sections within that chapter.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "435-north-dakota-adult-business-licensing-and-zoning", "subject": "North Dakota", "topic": "statutory code index", "applies_to_country": "*", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us-nd" ], "platform": "any", "topic": [ "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }