Background

The proposed Brothel Bylaw has been developed as part of Franklin District Council’s review of bylaws required by section 158 of the Local Government Act 2002 (the LGA), and in response to concerns raised by members of the public and businesses, Council has identified that the community is generally concerned with the possible negative impacts of the decriminalisation of prostitution under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003.

As part of its review of bylaws required by section 158 of the Local Government Act 2002 (the LGA), Franklin District Council (Council) is reviewing its Brothel Bylaw.

Regulation of the Location of Brothels

Brothels cannot locate within 250 metres of a sensitive site within the Franklin District. Sensitive sites mean land and buildings used for an Educational Facility for Children, a Place of Worship and Community Facilities including Reserves.

Further, a brothel located within the main street of a Business zone shall not be located at street level and its entrance must not be located on the main street.

Regulation of Brothel Signage

Any business premises that includes a Brothel within a Business zone cannot display any sign on or in the building or structure that is visible from a public place and that advertises commercial sexual services, except in accordance with the following requirements:

• The sign shall display only the trading name of the business which in the opinion of Council must not be sexually explicit, lewd or otherwise offensive;
• The total area of the sign shall not exceed one square metre;
• No sandwich board or other type of portable sign may be located off the site, including the adjoining road.

Within the residential and rural areas, no signs of any type or description advertising commercial sexual services may be displayed.

All signs must comply with the relevant rules in the District Plan.

Obtaining Further Information and Making a Submission

Council welcomes submissions from the public and interested parties on the proposed Bylaw. A Statement of Proposal that includes the proposed Bylaw, this Summary of Information and Submission Forms can be obtained from public libraries and Council service centres. These can also be downloaded from Council’s website www.franklin.govt.nz or by phoning Jane Tuckley on 09 237 1304 ext 472 or emailing jane_tuckley@franklin.govt.nz.

The submission period starts on 2 November 2009 and closes at 5.00pm on
3 December 2009. Please make sure to indicate whether you wish to appear at a Council hearing in support of your submission.