Va. County Loosens Adult Zoning Restrictions

Va. County Loosens Adult Zoning Restrictions

ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. — It will be easier for brick-and-mortar adult entertainment venues and retailers to open up shop in the Virginia county of Isle of Wight.

Up until now, adult entertainment businesses were unable to exist within a mile of schools, churches and residential areas — making it virtually blocked for gentlemens clubs and sex toy and novelty stores.

Now the buffer zone is 2,500 feet from those locations, after the county made amendments to its zoning ordinance this month. 

The move to narrow the buffer is partly due to county planning official Richard Rudnicki who, in October, told the Board of Supervisors that current zoning wasn’t OK and that the county could face lawsuits from adult entrepreneurs who were effectively banned from locating within county limits.

"The intent is not to exclude them," Rudnicki told supervisors, according to local news reports. "The reality is, I believe it does and that is illegal."

In October, Rudnicki presented a map of the county, which has a population of 35,000, covered with large red circles, indicating the zones where adult entertainment businesses are not allowed because of zoning restrictions. Most of the map was covered in red.

Industry attorney Lawrence Walters of Walters Law Group said that adult entertainment businesses must be afforded a reasonable opportunity to open and operate under the First Amendment. 

“While local governments are allowed to restrict operation to certain areas, those zoning restrictions must not result in an effective ‘zone out’ for adult business,” Walters told XBIZ. “Based on the planning official’s comments, the existing distance restrictions resulted in a very small amount of property where adult businesses could legally operate. That kind of zoning scheme could have been legally challenged based on the county’s failure to provide sufficient ‘alternative avenues’ for sexually explicit speech.

“I’ve been involved in several cases where local governments have loosened existing restrictions on adult businesses once they are educated regarding the potential constitutional defects in licensing or zoning ordinances,” Walters said. “This is a wise move for all parties, and potentially saves the cities and counties substantial money in defending lawsuits and compensating businesses that are prevented from opening under unconstitutional zoning laws. 

“However, some jurisdictions have to learn the hard way — at the expense of taxpayers."

Isle of Wight’s new amendments to its zoning ordinance also affect tattoo parlors, which previously had been lumped in as adult entertainment businesses and were subject to the same rules.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Williams Trading, ANME Founders Partner for Livestream Event

Williams Trading has partnered with CalExotics, Doc Johnson, and Nasstoys to host a virtual trade show July 14-15 during ANME.

Penthouse Names Sharna Beckman July's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Australian model Sharna Beckman as Pet of the Month for July.

Adult Time Names Alison Rey as Newest Brand Ambassador

Adult Time has named Alison Rey as the studio's newest brand ambassador.

Violet Myers Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Media Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Anal Exam."

Eldorado Names Sandy Nuyt Sales Director

Eldorado Trading has appointed Sandy Nuyt as its new sales director.

Digital Playground Premieres Marvin Love's 'The Last Resort'

Digital Playground has debuted Marvin Love's new feature, "The Last Resort."

Show More