This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to City of Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles enacted a 1978 comprehensive zoning ordinance that regulates adult business activities, defining eight categories and requiring each to be separated by at least 1,000 feet.
Background and question before the Court
According to City of Los Angeles, the City’s 1978 ordinance requires adult businesses to be spaced at least 1,000 feet apart and defines eight distinct adult business categories.
What each side argues
City of Los Angeles (Petitioner)
The ordinance is grounded in a 1977 study and a 1979 study that support prohibiting more than one adult business at a single location.
According to City of Los Angeles, the combined use still complies with the city’s zoning requirements: it is at least 1,000 feet from any other adult use and 500 feet from protected sensitive areas.
Alameda Books, Inc. (Respondent)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
John H. Weston presented oral argument on behalf of the respondents.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 342912b2bfc69e5acc9e-r1-9bb680bd5c0cbbc3.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 19, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.