Portage County, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

Section 2.4.3 classifies eight regulated categories: adult bookstore or video store, adult cabaret, adult motel, adult motion picture theater, escort agency, semi-nude model studio, sexual device shop and sexual encounter center. Section 2.4.4 requires both a business license and, separately, an employee license for anyone working at such a business, filed in person with the Portage County Clerk along with the fee. The Sheriff's Department investigates applicant background information, and the Planning and Zoning Department verifies compliance with interior configuration and any setback or distance requirements, per Section 2.4.4(3)(i)-(j).

The Clerk must issue or deny a license within 20 business days, per Section 2.4.5, unless the applicant is underage, gave false information, has an unpaid fee, fails locational or configuration standards, or has a disqualifying record of nuisance findings or specified criminal convictions. Licenses run one year and should be renewed at least 90 days before expiration, per Section 2.4.8. Section 2.4.9 through 2.4.11 lay out suspension of up to 30 days and revocation for one year, with a Board hearing and appeal rights, triggered by things like prostitution, alcohol on the premises, or knowingly operating while suspended.

Section 2.4.14 imposes physical-layout rules such as unobstructed operator sightlines and lighting of at least five foot-candles, and Section 2.4.15 bars loitering and requires exterior lighting and monitoring. Nonconforming businesses existing before the 2007 ordinance got a two-year amortization period, extendable on a hardship showing under Sections 2.4.23 and 2.4.24. Under Section 2.4.29, the ordinance applies in every municipality in the county that has not adopted its own sexually oriented business ordinance.