BELLEFONTE — At its meeting this week, Bellefonte Borough Council voted to recommend the Planning Commission consider limiting the number of adult-oriented businesses in the borough’s commercial districts.

Historical Architectural Review Board Planning and Zoning Administrator Gina Thompson said the recommendation specifically pertains to the language of the zoning ordinance.

“I have talked to other council members, and residents are concerned about certain businesses in downtown,” said Council President Barbara Dann.

She said the public has also raised concerns about the prevalence of such shops, which council did not specifically identify.

According to the Borough Code, “adult-oriented businesses” refers to “any business, establishment or use which offers materials, services or entertainment characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to ‘specified sexual activities’ or ‘specified anatomical areas.'”

The definition also includes establishments that regularly feature entertainment involving nudity or the depiction of sexual activities.

The motion to recommend the limitation of the businesses was made by Councilman Randy Brachbill.

“I think it’s a good idea to try to look at it because we’re getting inundated with these things,” said Brachbill. “I think there’s two on every block at this point, and it’s a little ridiculous that there’s any more pulling in there.”

Councilwoman Shawna McKean, said that her “concern with the businesses we are referring to… is the signage that’s in the windows.”

Dann shared that Thompson is “working on that” to make sure everything is compliant and “look(s) as good as possible downtown.”

In response, McKean moved away from the microphone — seemingly so as not to be heard — and said, “It’s beginning to look (unintelligible),” prompting laughter from other council members.

According to Dann, when the issue was raised, Thompson suggested that council ask the Planning Commission to explore potential ways to address the allegedly growing number of such businesses, prompting the evening’s vote.

“I know there’s things that you cannot do, but there are also some things we may be able to do,” Dann said.

Among the options under consideration is distance zoning, which would limit how many similar businesses can operate within a set radius. Dann added that Thompson would also like to review the language in the existing ordinance related to adult-oriented businesses.

“There may be a possibility of being able to limit the number of like businesses,” she said.

The current zoning language is intended to align with the Nittany Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan, which guides the siting and operation of adult-oriented businesses in the region.

The code currently states: “Consistent with the Nittany Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan, adult-oriented businesses shall not be permitted within the Borough of Bellefonte.”

“What I am concerned about, too, is the ones that are in here now are going to be grandfathered in.” said Brachbill. “…we’ve got to kind of stop it right there. This is all we’re doing. And just try to get them out of the way.”

President Dann said she agreed with Brachbill’s sentiments.

Council members Brachbill, Dann, McKean, Deborah Cleeton, Doug Johnson, Johanna Sedgwick and Rita Purnell all voted yes on the recommendation. Rounding out the unanimous vote, Joanne Tosti-Vasey responded, “absolutely.”

The related ordinances can be viewed at https://ecode360.com/14494190#14494190 and https://ecode360.com/38887275.