Fargo Amends Zoning Code to Target Adult Boutiques

Fargo Amends Zoning Code to Target Adult Boutiques

FARGO, N.D. — The Fargo City Commission has amended its zoning ordinance, redefining “adult entertainment establishment” in a way that limits the business of adult boutiques in the North Dakota city.

Tightening zoning code regulations is one of the most common ways in which conservative War on Porn crusaders attempt to attack free-speech-protected sex products and businesses in municipalities all over the U.S.

Kim Patterson, owner of the Enchantasys boutique in Fargo, told the local news station that her business will be “drastically hindered now that the zoning ordinance has passed.”

The small, local Enchantasys chain has operated for almost two decades, boasting two locations in Fargo and four other shops across the Midwest.

Patterson contends that “her business will now be classified as an adult bookstore, which she says will cause many impacts,” Valley News Live reported, noting that such impacts include how Enchantasys is “allowed to advertise and their ability to expand or move.”

”The way it’s worded,” Patterson explained, “there isn’t a lot of talk of whether we are grandfathered in. I don’t know if we have to put up signs saying you have to be ‘18+’ now to shop in my store.”

Enchantasys’ attorney, Mark Western, noted that the city “wants to categorize all adult entertainment businesses as the same,” lumping in a local pleasure product outlet like Enchantasys with strip bars or adult bookstores.

XBIZ has been reporting on municipal harassment against adult boutiques in Georgia, Florida and even Brooklyn, New York. These campaigns often involve copycat regulation and they are being watched around the country as a bellwether for local moralists' strategies to restrict free access to sexual expression, education and products via zoning regulations.

Last year, Atlanta-area authorities successfully chased locations of the adult retail chain Tokyo Valentino out of town by using zoning changes and the circular-reasoning “secondary harms” theory pushed by local religious conservatives.

Main Image: Enchantasys boutique in Fargo, N.D. (Source: Enchantasys)

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BeYourLover Debuts 'Cloud' Vibrator Collection

BeYourLover has introduced its new Cloud series of vibrators.

Lovense Reveals Results of 'Relationship Rut' Survey

Lovense has released the results of a survey asking 2,000 respondents if they felt their relationships were in a rut.

Tonga Now Shipping 'Romantic Rose' Vibe From Blush

Tonga BV is now shipping the new Romantic Rose vibrator from Blush's Play With Me line.

Hankey's Toys Debuts 'Siswet Tentacle' Dildo

Mr. Hankey's Toys has introduced its new Siswet Tentacle Dildo.

CB-X Unveils 'Guarded Galaxy' Chastity Kits

CB-X has unveiled its new Guarded Galaxy glitter chastity kit collection.

New Pleasure Product Review Site 'ToyChats' Launches

ToyChats.com, a pleasure product review and discussion site, has officially launched.

Pipedream Debuts PDX Elite 'Moto-Bator Pro' Stroker

Pipedream Products has introduced its new PDX Elite Moto-Bator Pro masturbator.

Our Erotic Journey Introduces New Packaging

Our Erotic Journey has debuted new packaging for re-releases of its top-selling products.

Pipedream Debuts Jimmyjane 'Touch-Me Pro' Vibe

Pipedream Products has introduced the new Touch-Me Pro vibrator from its Jimmyjane line.

Full Circle Debuts Stroker Collection, Love Torsos

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced its new Blue Jean Girls stroker line and Royal Honeys love torsos for wholesale distribution.

Show More