Independence, MO Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- School/church/park buffer
- 1,200 feet
- Other adult business/alcohol buffer
- 1,000 feet
- License issued by
- Community Development Director
- Adopted by
- Ord. No. 19481 (2023)
Summary
Independence bars adult businesses within 1,200 feet of a school, church, park, or home, and within 1,000 feet of another adult business, per City Code Section 5.17.008.
The premises for which an application for an adult business has been made is located within 1,200 feet of any school, church, licensed child care center or child care center that has been inspected by the City; public park; or, property zoned or used for residential purposes, which uses are located within the City limits. Measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point of the premises from which the adult business would be operated to the nearest point on the property line of any school, church, licensed child care center or child care center that has been inspected by the City, public park or property zoned or used for residential purposes located within the City.B.No adult business shall be allowed to locate or expand within 1,000 feet of any other adult business or of any business licensed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
The City requires a Community Development Department license before anyone can operate an adult business, under Section 5.17.003, and a separate license for every manager, server, or entertainer under Section 5.17.004. Section 5.17.008 blocks the license outright if the premises sits within 1,200 feet of a school, church, licensed child care center, public park, or residentially zoned property, or within 1,000 feet of another adult business or an alcohol-licensed business, measured in a straight line between property lines. Operating unlicensed, or losing compliance with the City's zoning, building, fire, and health codes, is grounds for suspension or revocation under Section 5.17.009.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed adult business, or one that violates the spacing rule, is unlawful under Section 5.17.003 and grounds for license suspension or revocation under Section 5.17.009.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must an adult business be from a school in Independence?
Can two adult businesses operate near each other in Independence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle adult entertainment.