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DECATUR, Ga. — Tokyo Valentino, an adult retailer with multiple locations across Georgia, was denied a building permit for a new store under construction on Lawrenceville Highway in the Greater Decatur area, according to local reports.
Juliana Njoku, DeKalb County’s planning and sustainability director, informed company representatives that they failed to clearly disclose the property’s intended use.
DeKalb County later issued a public statement explaining, “Following a thorough administrative review, the County has determined that the building permit and related business license applications associated with this property contain incomplete and inconsistent information regarding the intended business use.
“As a result, the building permit has been revoked, and the business license application remains incomplete pending further documentation from the applicant. … Specifically, the applications did not fully disclose the intended use of the premises at the time of submission, and subsequent filings identified the sale of adult-oriented materials. This change in use requires a different level of zoning review and compliance with County ordinances that regulate adult-oriented establishments.”
In an email to Njoku, company representative Michael S. Morrison said Tokyo Valentino believes the revocation was a misunderstanding.
“It is Tokyo Decatur’s intention to comply with local ordinances to be a compliant, good corporate citizen,” Morrison wrote on behalf of Tokyo Decatur, the firm responsible for the new location. “We are a proud and vocal participant in the LGBTQ+ community.”
According to the letter, Tokyo Valentino entered into a lease for the property at 1850 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 200. The landlord, Air Hospitality Group, agreed to bring the space up to code before occupancy and hired MSM Builders LLC for the renovation. The building permit in question was issued between the landlord and property manager.
Officials likely denied the permit based on the assumption that the store would operate as a fully adult-oriented business, which is restricted under local zoning laws.
“‘Tokyo Valentino’ is only a retail store that will be selling less than the allowable 20 percent threshold of marital aids,” Morrison clarified. “We mostly serve the LGBTQ+ community. This location has no live entertainment, nor video booths, etc. Tokyo is no different than the ‘Spencer’s’ stores found in malls all over America.”
“Tokyo is happy to sign any document affirming its intention to comply with DeKalb County code,” Morrison added. “It is always Tokyo’s intention to be a good corporate citizen and a proud supporter of the queer community.”
