Question


Paddles

Can I convert my suburban home into a strip club?

My wife and I are in the process of moving full time into a residence that has, for a few years, been a weekend home. Rather than selling our current home (Ranch style on about a third of an acre in an entirely residential suburban neighborhood), we decided we wanted to explore the possibility of converting it into a strip club. It is important to note that our neighborhood does not have any sort of home owner's association or anything like that with any sort of stringent rules on how houses have to appear, etc... Our proposal is to tear down our garage and use the space to allow a wide drive into the backyard, which will be cleared, paved, and used as a parking lot (Also ensuring that the entrance is on the rear of the house and less obvious) and erecting a ninety-foot-tall neon sign in our front yard (To be visible from the highway about 2 miles away). Many of our neighbors have expressed their displeasure with this, but the only basis I've been able to find for any of their objections has been a city ordinance against such a tall sign. We've agreed to lower it to the legal limit--sixty-five feet, and to remove the obscene word that was initially a part of the club's name. But apart from that, none of my neighbors have been able to show any legal standing for their complaints, though they have threatened to sue if and when the club opens. The grand opening is only two weeks away. We're offering big drink specials and $100 trips to the VIP rooms which are ordinarily five times that cost. The VIP rooms are small sheds set up in the backyard/parking lot. So obviously I have a lot riding on this. Does anyone know of any legal basis for the objections?? Let me know if you need any further details that might be relevant. I've tried to include everything I thought might be relevant from a legal standpoint. Thanks for the quick responses. As far as a liquor license, this is actually going to be a "member's only private club". At the door, you can pay ten bucks (One buck on opening night!) for a "lifetime membership", so it's my understanding the liquor laws don't apply the same as at a bar or restaurant. And I'm not worried about the zoning. I'm very friendly with the commissioners (Read: they're in my pocket, LOL)

3 months ago - 8 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

Be prepared for a lot of police presence. You may have the liquor and zoning handled, but there are still noise ordinances, drunk and disorderly, public nuisance, etc, that your customers can be cited for once they leave your club. And I can assure you that if I were your neighbor, I would be calling the police out on each and every issue. If I could, I'd have police parked outside 24/7. And they are likely to do it, since there is a lot of money to be made in those tickets. Plus, your neighbors can do some tricky things themselves. I'm pretty sure that there is a public sidewalk in front of your house. There is, as far as I know, nothing illegal about standing in a driveway talking to your neighbors. And you know, there is an awful lot that you can talk about, between the kids and work and how the relatives are doing and how the local sports teams is doing. If that makes it difficult for your workers and customers to get to the club, why, isn't that just a shame? But I am pretty sure that this is a troll, since there's no way that you are going to be doing all the remodeling you propose in the two weeks you say it is to the grand opening.

by philospher77

3 months ago

Asker's Rating: 

Other Answers

I suspect that zoning laws will not allow it.

by muncie birder- 3 months ago

Never get it thru zoning and permits. Probably requires a special use permit that county comissioners will have to sign off one. Liquor licensing? Business in a residential zoning area? Start with Z & P

by wizjp- 3 months ago

zoning...business in a residential zone...

by $andman- 3 months ago

It all depends on what city and state you are in. Many citys do not have zoning laws. Texas does not. Also are you able to get a liquor lic. The liquor lic is what is important as that is how you make your money.

by Rudy- 3 months ago

Check Zoning for your community. Seek Legal Advice, not from a bunch of yahoos You can be running up plenty of legal bills if you start this without proper authorization.

by chatsplas- 3 months ago

Regarding your shed Idea, Indecent exposure might be a problem...you might want to invest in a large fence that blocks the view from the street. Sounds like you have the liquor license and zoning problems being addressed. Hope you pull it off!

by B&C All Day- 3 months ago

It almost sounds like you are basing your knowledge of local zoning and ordinances on what your local home owner's association guide states and little research otherwise. You are likely in a residential zone only, while you're trying to do a commercial use. That's the first thing that will stick out like a sore thumb. Most areas also do have have ordinances about adult entertainment establishments. You're probably overestimating what your dirty money can achieve with the commissioners.

by itsjunglepat- 3 months ago