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Aurora, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Zoning
M-1 manufacturing district only
Buffer distance
1,000 feet from homes, schools, churches
License term
Expires every January 1
Hours
Open only 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Summary

Aurora confines adult bookstores, cabarets, theaters, and similar adult uses to M-1 manufacturing districts and keeps them at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, churches, parks, and each other.

Adult uses are permitted in an M-1 manufacturing district limited, as delineated in accordance with section 13.2 of the Aurora Zoning Ordinance, but provided, no adult use shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of any property which is zoned or used for residences, churches, schools, parks, cemeteries, day care centers, day nurseries or other adult uses.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Aurora Code of Ordinances § 25-55, adult uses are permitted only in a limited M-1 manufacturing district and must sit at least 1,000 feet from any property zoned or used for residences, churches, schools, parks, cemeteries, day care centers, day nurseries, or other adult uses. Operators must also obtain a city-issued adult use license under § 25-59, pass a criminal background check, undergo site plan review by the plan commission and city council, and may not open before 10:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required license, or violating the location or hours rules, exposes an operator to license suspension for up to 30 days or revocation for one year, decided after a treasurer's hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can adult uses legally operate in Aurora?
Only in the city's limited M-1 manufacturing district, and never within 1,000 feet of a home, church, school, park, day care, or another adult use, per § 25-55.
Does an adult use need a separate city license?
Yes. § 25-59 requires a city treasurer-approved adult use license, including fingerprints and a criminal history check, before the business may open.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Aurora

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All Aurora rules

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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities

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