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Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. “Adult bookstore” means a bookstore having as a preponderance of its publications, books, magazines, and other periodicals which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this subsection.
b. “Adult establishment” means either an adult bookstore, an adult motion picture theater, an adult mini-motion picture theater, or a massage business, all as defined in this subsection.
c. “Adult mini-motion picture theater” means an enclosed building with a capacity for less than fifty persons used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this subsection, for observation by patrons of the theater.
d. “Adult motion picture theater” means an enclosed building with a capacity of fifty or more persons used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this subsection, for observation by patrons of the theater.
e. “Massage” means the manipulation of body muscle or tissue by rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping, by hand or mechanical device.
f. “Massage business” means any establishment or business wherein massage is practiced, including establishments commonly known as health clubs, physical culture studios, massage studios, or massage parlors.
g. “Sexually oriented devices” means without limitation any artificial or simulated specified anatomical area or any other device or paraphernalia that is designed in whole or in part for specified sexual activities.
h. “Specified anatomical areas” means:
(1) Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals and pubic regions, buttocks, or female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
(2) Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
i. “Specified sexual activities” means:
(1) Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
(2) Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy; or
(3) Fondling or other erotic touchings of human genitals and pubic regions, buttocks, or female breasts.
2. A determination of preponderance need not be based on whether or not a numerical majority or plurality of the materials are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. When making a determination as to whether an establishment displays, sells, distributes, or exhibits a preponderance of materials which are so distinguished or characterized, the governing body or factfinder shall consider the totality of the circumstances and may consider, among other factors deemed relevant, any of the following:
a. Dominant theme of the establishment.
b. Total impression of the emphasis placed on such materials by the establishment.
c. Externalities of the establishment, including the manner of packaging or display and advertising which demonstrates the dominant theme or emphasis being placed on such materials by the establishment.
d. Obtrusive characteristics of the materials which tend to distract from and dominate the other classes of materials.
e. Manner of display of the materials.
f. Advertising emphasis.
g. Whether the establishment prohibits minors from entering the premises or any portion thereof.
3. The governing body of any city may, by ordinance, provide that:
a. No building, premises, structure, or other facility that contains any adult establishment, as defined in subsection 1, shall contain any other kind of adult establishment.
b. No building, premises, structure, or other facility in which sexually oriented devices, as defined in subsection 1, are sold, distributed, exhibited, or contained shall contain any adult establishment, as defined in subsection 1.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - North Dakota Century Code Title 40. Municipal Government § 40-05-17. City restriction of adult establishments--Definitions - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/nd/title-40-municipal-government/nd-cent-code-sect-40-05-17/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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