Minnetonka, MN Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Section 615.025 of the Minnetonka City Code bars anyone from owning or operating a sexually-oriented business in the city unless the person is currently licensed. The definition in section 615.015 reaches a business that puts more than 25% of its inventory, floor area or gross revenues into sexually-oriented materials, and any business engaged in a sexually-oriented use such as an adult cabaret or adult bookstore. Section 615.020 leaves out material with significant literary content or social commentary, movies rated G, PG, PG13, NC-17 or R, and sales sealed under Minn. Stat. § 617.293.

Who can hold a license is narrow. Section 615.030 refuses a license to a minor, to a holder of a liquor license under city code section 600, to anyone whose license for a similar business was revoked anywhere within five years of the application, and to an individual who is not a resident of the twin cities, defined as the seven-county metropolitan area. Under section 615.035, no license issues for operation in a zoning district that section 300.33 does not allow, or for a place currently licensed as a tattoo establishment, pawnshop, massage business, or seller of alcoholic beverages.

The spacing rule sits in the zoning code at section 300.33, subdivision 5. These businesses locate only in B-1, B-2, B-3 and I-1 zones, and in PUD and PID zones on land designated in the master development plan for non-residential use. No part of the property can fall within a circle with a 250 foot radius around residential property, a day care facility, school, library, park, religious institution, a premises licensed under chapter 600 for liquor, or another sexually-oriented business.

The Minnetonka Police Department investigates the application, the applicant's moral character and financial status before any license issues. A new license also needs a City Council public hearing, noticed the same way as a zoning amendment affecting district boundaries. The Council must grant the license unless the applicant or location fails the city code, the application is incomplete, or it contains false information or a material omission. A renewal application is due at least 90 days before expiration, and every license expires December 31.