INDIANAPOLIS -- The denial of a rezoning request for a live lingerie modeling studio clears the way for the city to take legal action against the business.

The owner of Secret Dreams at 3234 W. Washington St. applied for an adult entertainment license in September, but opened in December without the requisite inspections, the city told 6News' Jack Rinehart.

On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals denied a rezoning request for the business, which is currently zoned for automotive use.

The city contends that the modeling studio, which also sells adult videos and novelty items, is in violation of several zoning laws, including operating an adult entertainment business within 500 feet of a residential dwelling district, along with landscaping requirements and sign violations.

Community leaders spoke out at Tuesday's hearing against Secret Dreams and the clientele they said it brings to the area.

"What we disapproved of was the live entertainment, period. If you look at what's happened in other situations with live entertainment, things go bad," said Mike McCormick with the 40 West Business Association.

"One of the things we're fighting in that area is the prostitution and the issues that we have on Washington Street," said Patrice Duckett with the New West Coalition. "We feel that bringing in this type of business will only hinder us and the progress we've made."

The owner of the business did not attend Tuesday's hearing, but her attorney said she plans to fight the move through counsel.

The Department of Code Enforcement said it plans to prosecute Secret Dreams for building, zoning and licensing violations.