American Fork has a new ordinance to regulate sexually oriented business that someday may open in the city.

"This ordinance is meant to fill a hole in the city's ordinances," American Fork city attorney Kasey Wright told the City Council on Tuesday night when the ordinance was approved.

"This is a very comprehensive ordinance that would limit the proximity of the businesses to other types of buildings in the city," he said.

The sexually oriented business issue came to the attention of the City Council after a lingerie boutique got a business license in the city and opened its doors on Main Street. The shop, the Husband & Wife Intimacy Boutique, sells lingerie, intimacy products, candles, games, music, books, bridal accessories, bath and body, and many other fun and romantic gifts, according to its Web site. It also touts itself as "modest, moral, comfortable and clean."

The City Council was concerned that sexually oriented businesses could lead to unlawful sexual activities, sexually transmitted diseases and increased crime.

The newly approved sexually oriented business law aims to restrict location and actions of adult businesses by allowing the businesses only in specific zones within the city.

Specifics of the location of the new zone will probably be discussed within the month.

"The ordinance is not meant to keep the businesses out of the city, but we are using it as a tool to enforce limits of law on those businesses to ensure the public's well-being," said City Councilwoman Heidi Rodeback.

American Fork's new law is based on ordinances used by Provo, Lindon, Spanish Fork and other cities around the state.

"This ordinance is meant to increase livability and to uphold the values we hold strong in our community," said Councilman Shirl LeBaron.

"This ordinance is not welcoming these businesses to our city. In fact, not having one of these businesses is more welcoming," Wright said. "It is just a safeguard for our residents and children to have one."

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C1.