A woman who sued a Butler County community because officials there wouldn't let her open a pole dancing studio will now be able to after the Adams Township zoning hearing board last night approved a settlement with her.

Though the settlement won't become official until it is approved by a federal judge, the board agreed that Stephanie Babines can open her studio at 222 Mars-Valencia Road, a former children's clothing store that is zoned commercial/industrial.

"It's great that Adams Township will join China in allowing a dance studio for Butler County women who want to learn more about pole dancing, the latest worldwide fitness craze," said Witold Walczak, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Foundation of Pennsylvania, which filed the lawsuit on Ms. Babines' behalf.

The 30-year-old Cranberry woman made headlines across the country in August when she filed a federal complaint against the township, the zoning hearing board and code enforcement officer.

Ms. Babines claimed in her lawsuit that the decision by Adams Township to deny her an occupancy permit violated her First Amendment right to freedom of expression.

In her classes, which are all conducted fully clothed and without an audience, she teaches women to be confident and sexy, she said. Among her offerings are striptease, hoop aerobics, power lap dance, Stiletto Strut, belly and salsa dancing, SeXXXercise -- an ab and core workout -- and pole dancing.

The code enforcement officer in Adams, Gary Peaco, wrote Ms. Babines a letter in the spring saying that he believed her dance studio would be classified as an "adult business," and therefore wouldn't be permitted at that location.

Ms. Babines filed an appeal with the zoning hearing board, but it was rejected.

But at last night's meeting, the zoning board unanimously approved the settlement. There was no discussion prior to the vote.

As part of the deal with the township, Ms. Babines will agree in writing that there will be no nudity at the studio, and no spectators or sexual activity.

She should receive her occupancy permit today and be able to open immediately.

Ms. Babines leased the space in February and spent about $10,000 renovating it into a fitness studio, including the installation of flooring and mirrors, poles, a dressing room and light fixtures.

The lawsuit will continue in federal court, so that the parties can hash out damages and attorneys fees, Mr. Walczak said.