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MEMORANDUM <br /> DATE: 12/11/01 MEETING DATE: 12/18/01 <br /> TO: Planning Commission Members <br /> FROM: Susan Henry, Assistant City Manageakf <br /> SUBJECT: Massage Therapy Ordinance <br /> Requested Action: <br /> December 18 is the public hearing for the new ordinance requiring a business license <br /> for therapeutic massage parlors. Action should also be taken to amend Zoning <br /> Ordinance 3.1635.02(eee). <br /> Background: <br /> A couple of months ago, arrests were made at one massage operation for prostitution. <br /> Under the present City-Ordinance, therapeutic massage is not a defined term and the <br /> City does not require a license, making it very difficult to stop the operation of a <br /> massage operation where prostitution may be occurring. By requiring massage <br /> operations to obtain a business license and providing certain clearly delineated <br /> standards for operation, the City may more effectively regulate these activities and <br /> ensure that only legitimate massage parlors are located in the City. <br /> The ordinance provides for a detailed application to be filed for the license by the <br /> applicant, an investigation of the applicant by the Police Department, and standards for <br /> the Manager to deny the issuance of a license. In addition, the ordinance speaks to <br /> investigation and approval/denial of application, including the suspension or revocation <br /> of the license and specifically provides that any conviction for prostitution or any other <br /> crime or violation involving moral turpitude results in a revocation of the license. <br /> Once the City Council adopts the ordinance, it goes into effect immediately and existing <br /> businesses will have 120 days to comply with the new ordinance. The license fee is <br /> $250, while the investigation fee deposit is $500. The number of licenses allowed for <br /> this type of business is five, under this ordinance. The capital investment amount noted <br /> in the ordinance is a minimum of$5,000. <br /> Chris Smith of Dorsey and Whitney will be in attendance on December 18 to answer <br /> legal-related questions. <br /> Attachment: <br /> • Massage Therapy Ordinance <br />