Lake Forest extends temporary moratorium on new massage businesses for 10 months, 15 days

The Lake Forest City Council on Sept. 16 adopted a 10-month, 15-day extension of an urgency ordinance that temporarily bars the establishment of new massage businesses in the city while staff studies zoning and regulatory changes.

City Assistant Director of Community Development Amy Stoneage told the council the moratorium, originally adopted Aug. 19, was prompted by “a rise in massage establishments operating without a valid license, ongoing noncompliance with City zoning and operational standards, and reports of illicit activities such as prostitution.” She said the Government Code allows the city to adopt a temporary moratorium and that state law requires a written report before any extension.

The extension preserves the status quo for currently operating massage businesses: they may continue to operate and renew existing licenses, and businesses that already hold a use permit may proceed with licensing. New massage uses will not be allowed to apply for a use permit or building permits during the extension period. Stoneage said staff needs time to research practices used by other Orange County cities, coordinate with the sheriff’s department and code enforcement, engage stakeholders and draft zoning and regulatory standards.

During public comment, property owner Brian McMillan urged the council not to extend the moratorium and said the city lacked evidence to support claims of illicit activity. “There have been no charges, no convictions of prostitution in Lake Forest, period,” McMillan said, arguing the city’s prior statements were based on allegation rather than proof.

Council members asked for clarification about the moratorium’s scope. Stoneage said the moratorium “does not affect personal service businesses at all” beyond massage businesses; it does not affect doctors’ offices or other personal-services providers. She reiterated the moratorium applies “only to businesses that could pull a permit, a use permit for massage.”

The council approved the staff recommendation to extend the urgency ordinance by a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Doug Serbo absent. Stoneage noted two additional extensions are available under state law—one for up to one year and a second extension that could lead to a two-year maximum—if more time is needed to complete the study and draft regulations.

Staff said they will return with research findings and proposed Zoning Code and regulatory changes for the council’s consideration.