FOUNTAIN VALLEY

The City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance that will require the city to get a judge’s approval before it can refuse to allow certain activities within its borders. The proposed ordinance is an effort to comply with current federal case law, which requires local governments to follow several guidelines before leaders can prohibit certain activities, including the operation of adult business, City Atty. Alan Burns said. “The burden is now on us to go to court,” Burns said. “Usually the applicant or business owner is the one to challenge a decision.” The proposed ordinance excludes massage parlor licenses, escort services, pawnbrokers and commercial peddlers.