Lewisville planning panel recommends denial of special-use permit for massage business at 1010 Edmonds Lane

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial Tuesday of a special‑use permit (Case 24‑09‑SUP) that would allow a licensed massage‑therapy business to operate at 1010 Edmonds Lane, Suite 107.

Planning staff told commissioners the space had previously housed a licensed massage business whose owner and another person were arrested on charges related to prostitution; that history now requires any health or massage establishment wishing to open in that space to obtain a special‑use permit. Planning staff said they had reviewed the SUP criteria — including compatibility with surrounding uses and the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan — and determined the application did not sufficiently mitigate the risk of repeat illicit activity. "Staff's recommendation tonight is that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend denial of the special use permit request," planning staff said.

The applicant provided documentation the presenter said showed licensing for an establishment the applicant runs in Flower Mound, and a translator for the applicant, Rusty Chu, told the commission the earlier criminal case against a previous owner had been dropped and urged commissioners not to “stereotype” the applicant. "I urge the panel, the commission, to reconsider and don't stereotype," Rusty Chu said.

Planning staff described proposed conditions the applicant offered: limiting hours to the city’s allowable window (7 a.m.–10 p.m.), requiring licensed therapists (including for foot reflexology), requiring medical‑style scrubs rather than provocative clothing, limiting signage so storefront windows remain largely visible, and keeping workroom doors at least partly open during sessions. Staff said those measures broadly align with state regulations and steps the city has used to reduce risk, but concluded they were not sufficient to prevent future prostitution or human‑trafficking concerns at this specific location given its history.

Commissioner Ainslie moved to recommend denial; Commissioner Aaron seconded. The motion carried, 7–0. Planning staff noted the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council, which will hold a second public hearing and make a final decision on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at 7 p.m.

The public hearing portion of Tuesday’s meeting heard only the applicant’s translator as a speaker; no other public speakers offered evidence of current illicit activity at the applicant’s other Flower Mound location. The commission’s action was limited to a recommendation; further review and a final vote will occur at the council hearing.