Massage EstablishmentOrdinance Update
Public Safety Subcommittee
October 15, 2024
1 Lou Kirk
Assistant Chief Building Official
Planning and Economic Development
Background
Ordinance 3937 adopted in 2010
Business license/ Revenue oriented
Minimal regulation/enforcement
Changes in State laws have further misaligned the City’s ordinance Over 30 known illicit massage establishments exist at present New ordinance under development, realigning City codes and addressing present-day issues and community concerns 2 Realigning with State law
Public health and safety focus
Expansion to integrate professionalization, licensing requirements, and broader legal aspects Recent focus on changing technology and integration into traditional medical settings Increased authority and autonomy given to local jurisdictions Establishment of a statewide, private nonprofit public benefit corporation providing regulation and certification processes benefitting the public 3 CAMTC
As early as 2009, the State Legislature enacted bills designed to regulate massage uses In 2016, the current version of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) was established under AB2194 CAMTC is required by B&P Code §4600 et seq to:
Approve massage schools
Oversee a massage therapy certification program
Ensure that certified massage professionals have completed required training 4 New City Ordinance
5 Designed to leverage CAMTC resources
Establishes approval and permitting criteria for practitioners and establishments Establishes practitioner code of conduct and material requirements for establishments Allows for proactive inspection, enforcement and revocation procedures Provides provisional relief to existing establishments acting in good faith with current regulations Discourages bad actors from establishing or continuing to operate within the City
Next Steps
Finalize draft ordinance
November/December 2024
Present draft ordinance language to Planning Commission January 2025
Present draft ordinance and Planning Commission recommendations to City Council February 2025
Requires second reading of the ordinance
Effective 30 days after the second reading
6 Enforcement Efforts
The Police Department and the Code Enforcement Team have partnered for a series of enforcement operations.
Working to address businesses that are clearly in violation of the law.
The updated city ordinance will greatly assist in eliminating the most egregious violators. 7 Questions
Staff is prepared to answer any questions or provide additional information as needed 8