Douglas County, NE Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)
Key Facts
- Spacing from another adult business
- 1,000 feet minimum
- Spacing from residential zoning
- 500 feet minimum
- Spacing from schools/parks/churches
- 1,000 feet minimum
- Operating hours
- Closed midnight to 6 a.m.
- Entrance signage
- 18+ entry notice required
Summary
Unincorporated Douglas County zoning bars new adult entertainment businesses within 1,000 feet of another, 500 feet of residential zoning, and 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or churches, with midnight-to-6-a.m. closing hours.
1. No adult entertainment business shall be open for business between the hours of twelve midnight and six a.m.
2. A new adult entertainment business shall not be allowed within 1,000 feet of an existing adult entertainment business.
3. A new adult entertainment business shall not be located within 500 feet of any residentially zoned district or 1,000 feet of a preexisting school, public park, or place of worship.
4. The provisions of this article shall apply to any adult entertainment businesses in existence at the time. Nonconforming use shall be permitted to expand in size or scope and the rights granted in this article shall terminate upon cessation of business, sale or transfer of ownership of the adult entertainment business.
5. Measurement of distances. For the purpose of this article, measurements shall be made in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the main entrance of such adult entertainment business to the point on the property line of such other business, school, church, public park or areas zoned for residential use which is closest to the said main entrance of such adult entertainment business. Page 15 of 109
Full Breakdown
Douglas County's zoning regulations classify adult entertainment as a restricted use, applicable only in unincorporated areas of the county, not Omaha, Bennington, Valley, Waterloo, or Ralston, which enforce their own codes. A new adult entertainment business cannot open within 1,000 feet of an existing one, 500 feet of a residentially zoned district, or 1,000 feet of a preexisting school, public park, or place of worship, measured in a straight line from the main entrance. Businesses must close between midnight and 6 a.m., post an entrance sign restricting entry to those 18 and older, and keep sexual content invisible from outside the building. Violations are declared a public nuisance the county attorney can sue to abate.
Violations & Fines
Operating in violation is declared a public nuisance; the county attorney can sue to abate, remove, or enjoin the business in addition to or instead of criminal prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Omaha?
How is the required distance measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Nebraska business licensing & operations overview
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