Mokena is joining its neighbors in attempting to control adult-oriented businesses that may seek to locate in Mokena.
Trustees at a work session Monday discussed a proposed adult-use ordinance that spells out such matters as licensing fees, location and hours of operation.
Like nearby New Lenox and Tinley Park, which recently enacted similar legislation, Mokena has no adult-oriented businesses, such as striptease clubs or adult bookstores.
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But Mayor Robert Chiszar said officials want regulations in place “so we’re not confronted with somebody wanting to put a sexually oriented business in the middle of downtown Mokena, where most residents wouldn’t want it.”
Under the proposed ordinance, applicants for a sexually oriented business permit and their employees would have to pass criminal background checks. Applicants would pay a $100 application fee and a $1,000 permit fee. Employees would have to obtain licenses for $50.
Locations would be restricted to 1,000 feet or more from any residential, public, quasi-public or conservation zoning districts. Current zoning would permit adult-use businesses to operate in a section of the village bordered by Interstate Highway 80 on the north, 191st Street on the south, 80th Avenue on the east and 88th Avenue on the west.
The ordinance also regulates video, “live” performances, advertising and outlines the hours of permitted operation.
Village liquor laws prohibit sexually oriented entertainment in establishments that serve alcohol.
The proposed legislation will be scrutinized by the village’s legal counsel before coming up for a vote, probably next month, Pollak said.