PISMO BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #12.C
Meeting Date: April 1, 2025
TITLE:
Massage Establishment and Practitioner Ordinance Discussion RECOMMENDATION:
Receive an overview of the City’s current massage establishment practices and regulations, and provide direction to staff if desired.
DISCUSSION:
On December 21, 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance O-2021-006 establishing regulations for the licensing of massage establishments and massage practitioners.
The Pismo Beach Police Department (PBPD) is responsible for enforcing the City’s massage ordinance as outlined in Pismo Beach Municipal Code (PBMC) Chapter 5.11, Personal Services Businesses, Sections 5.11.020 through 5.11.134. The ordinance regulates massage establishments and therapists operating within the city to ensure compliance with state and local laws, protect public safety, and prevent illicit activities such as human trafficking and unlicensed massage operations.
Enforcement responsibilities by the police department include, but are not limited to, the following:
Business Licensing Compliance: Verifying that massage establishments and therapists possess valid business licenses and certifications as required under PBMC 5.11.040.
Background Checks: Conducting background investigations for applicants seeking massage establishment permits, including verification of California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification per PBMC 5.11.050. Inspections and Compliance Checks: Performing periodic inspections of massage businesses to ensure adherence to operational and facility requirements (e.g., proper signage, hours of operation, record-keeping) outlined in PBMC 5.11.080-
5.11.110.
Response to Complaints and Violations: Investigating public complaints and reports of suspected violations, including unlicensed practitioners, illicit activities, and non-compliance with health and safety standards.
Coordination with Other Agencies: Collaborating with the City’s Code Enforcement Division, the County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Department of Consumer Affairs when necessary.
Administrative Actions and Enforcement Measures: Issuing citations, revoking permits, and recommending business closures for serious or repeated violations under PBMC 5.11.130—5.11.134.
12.C-1Council Agenda 4-1-2025
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council receive this report and provide direction on any desired revisions to the ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact from staff’s recommendation. The fiscal impact of direction received from the Council, if any, will be analyzed at the time considered by the Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Pismo Beach Massage Establishment Ordinance
Submitted by: Jeff Smith, Chief of Police
City Manager Approval:
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