PORT TOWNSEND — After hearing a lone voice of protest, the City Council on Monday approved keeping the moratorium on adult businesses in effect until Dec. 20.

Complying with state law, the council conducted a public hearing on the six-month moratorium originally approved June 20.

The moratorium prohibits applications for adult businesses within the city limits.

Jefferson County commissioners approved a similar measure earlier this year.

“The current moratorium is temporary,” said Port Townsend City Attorney John Watts.

“It allows us time to work on concluding this matter.”

The Planning Commission has already addressed the issue with two public hearings.

The Planning Commission plans to schedule a third one, likely this fall, city officials said.

Federal law requires cities to designate a specific zone within its limits for adult businesses, Watts said.

The Planning Commission is considering creation of such a district downtown, where business permit requirements are stricter.