In theory, Largo lacks rules on adult businesses

When city commissioners approved Largo's revised list of local codes this February, one particular ordinance was missing: Section 1327.1, the one that governs where adult entertainment venues can set up shop.

As a result, since Feb. 21, Largo has been without any rules governing where businesses like porn shops or strip clubs can operate — on the books, at least.

But assistant city attorney Mary Hale said that despite the omission, any enterprising local Larry Flynts can hold their horses — the city will not be approving any applications for an adult video store next to an elementary school (or church or residential neighborhood, for that matter) anytime soon.

"There is case law that says we can continue operating as before until we can get it back in the code," Hale said.

Commissioners nodded their approval at the news that the code will likely be presented at the next meeting to be voted on — and put back on the books.

How did such an error take place?

Hale said nobody is quite sure, but she said it likely stemmed from a discussion of removing the adult venue location rules from the city's codes and adding them instead into the city's land use plans.

Staffers decided against that decision.

Has anyone tried to take advantage of the lapse?

"No, they have not — not that I have noticed," Hale said.