Monterey targets massage parlors with two new ordinances.

The number of massage establishments in the city of Monterey has grown over the past few years, and so have reports of some patrons receiving more than a back rub. To combat suspected illicit activity at massage parlors, the Monterey City Council has passed tighter regulations to mitigate the “negative secondary effects” officials say are associated with some establishments.

On July 19, City Council voted unanimously to amend city code to require future massage businesses to obtain a use permit through a public hearing at the city Planning Commission, adding an additional layer of red tape before they can open for business.

“The reason we want to regulate these businesses is because it will legitimize massage establishments that are operating within the law while dissuading illegal activity,” Monterey Police Chief Dave Hober says.

At ComFOOT Spa on Polk Street, owner Lily Yang greets customers as they seek post-work stress relief. Yang, who also owns a spa on Lighthouse Avenue, has been in business since 2009 and has had to adjust to changes in city policy.

“I’m fine with the rules the city has passed,” she says as she holds her dog, a fluffy white Pomeranian named Stanley. “I want people to know that we’re a good business looking to make people healthy and less stressed.”

There’s one regulation though, passed in a June 2015 overhaul of the city’s rules relating to massage establishments, that Yang laments. She is now required to close at 9pm, and says she’s lost some business as a result.

The ordinance approved July 19 requires new massage businesses to have one off-street parking space for every 500 square feet of commercial space and an additional off-street parking spot for loading.

ComFOOT, and the approximately 30 other massage establishments currently operating in city limits, won’t be affected by the parking rule as they are grandfathered in. It’s a requirement Yang says she would have difficulty meeting if she were to open her Polk Street business today.

A second part of the ordinance, which is scheduled for final approval at an Aug. 16 City Council meeting, would give city officials more discretion when it comes to where massage operations can be located.

The ordinance would also change the classification of massage businesses from “personal services” to “massage establishments,” giving the city greater ability to write code specifically targeting massage businesses in the future. Under the existing classification, they’re lumped in with businesses like dry cleaners.