Perth Amboy, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition
- Substantial stock-in-trade emphasizing specified sexual activities (§ 430-5)
- C-1 Neighborhood Business Zone
- Adult bookstores listed as prohibited (§ 430-18)
- C-2 Central Business Zone
- Adult bookstores and amusement centers prohibited (§ 430-19)
- C-3 Highway Commercial Zone
- Adult bookstores prohibited (§ 430-20)
- Penalty
- Fine up to $1,000 or 30 days, each day separate
Summary
In the City of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, adult bookstores are a listed prohibited use in the C-1 Neighborhood Business Zone, and the C-2 Central Business and C-3 Highway Commercial Zones list them as prohibited too. The zoning chapter defines the term by a stock-in-trade test tied to specified sexual activities.
G. Prohibited uses: (1) Any use that may be noxious or injurious by reason of the production or emission of dust, smoke, refuse matter, coal or gas fumes, noise, vibrations or similar substances or conditions is specifically prohibited. (2) Billboards or signs painted upon the exterior side or rear walls of any principal or accessory building or structure. All signage to conform to Section 430-62 of this chapter. (3) Fast-food or drive-in type restaurants. (4) Adult bookstores.
Full Breakdown
Perth Amboy regulates adult bookstores through its zoning chapter, Chapter 430, rather than through a spacing table. Section 430-5 defines ADULT BOOKSTORE as an establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade books, magazines and other films, tapes, periodicals or other media which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities. The C-1 Neighborhood Business Zone, § 430-18, lists adult bookstores in its prohibited uses in subsection G, next to fast-food or drive-in type restaurants and any use that is noxious or injurious by reason of dust, smoke, refuse matter, coal or gas fumes, noise, vibrations or similar substances or conditions.
The C-2 Central Business Zone, § 430-19G(7), prohibits adult bookstores and amusement centers together. The C-3 Highway Commercial Zone, § 430-20, also lists adult bookstores among its prohibited uses. The chapter sets a default rule as well. Section 430-10F says only those uses specifically identified as a permitted principal use, permitted accessory use, conditional use, permitted sign or other permitted use shall be permitted, and all other uses are prohibited. The zone use lists are the place to check before leasing a storefront: a use that appears on a district's prohibited list cannot be approved there by the Zoning Officer, and the Board of Adjustment handles variance requests under Article IV.
Questions about whether a particular shop meets the adult bookstore definition go to the administrative official, defined in § 430-5 as the Zoning Officer unless another official is designated.
Violations & Fines
Using land for a prohibited use violates Chapter 430. Section 430-109 lets the city bring an action to restrain, correct or abate the use, and it makes a violation a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, plus costs. Each day is a separate offense, and the owner, tenant and any contractor or agent involved can each be charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Perth Amboy define an adult bookstore?
Can an adult bookstore open in the C-1 Neighborhood Business Zone?
Do the other business zones also prohibit adult bookstores?
What if a use is not listed at all?
What is the penalty for operating a prohibited use?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perth Amboy
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Adult Entertainment in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle adult entertainment.