The issue was headed toward a ballot initiative, after the nonprofit aids healthcare foundation gathered enough signatures.
The city said it would cost more than four-million-dollars to hold a special election on the issue.
Instead, it chose to adopt the ballot initiative into law with a council vote, giving it preliminary approval by a vote of 11 to one.
The AIDS healthcare foundation hailed the decision.
"So it's really a momentous day for us and for the City of Los Angeles, the long battle over providing safe working conditions in the adult film industry has taken a major step forward," Michael Weinstein, President of the AIDS Health Care Foundation said.
The council is expected to vote on final approval next week.
State law already requires adult film actors to wear condoms, but advocates for safe sex say the current law is rarely enforced.