Council adopts tighter massage-facility rules, inspection and licensing tools

The Coeur d'Alene City Council adopted an ordinance amending municipal code chapter 5.28 governing massage facilities and spas, adding new enforcement and licensing tools aimed at distinguishing legitimate businesses from illicit operations.

City staff described amendments that add a clear purpose and intent statement, require floor plans with license applications, require that certain records be available in English for inspection, and require disclosure when a licensed facility involves a residential component. The ordinance also tightens the appeal process language to prevent a denied applicant from operating during an unresolved appeal unless a stay is requested and the city determines no public-harm would result.

Staff said the changes reflect housecleaning needed after the state assumed regulation of individual therapists in 2013 and that the city’s authority is limited to regulating facility owners. The police and code-enforcement staff worked with the drafting team to add tools such as inspection authority and the residential-use disclosure because investigators have encountered illicit parlors with hidden bedroom spaces.

Council adopted the ordinance (Council Bill 25-1013) on first reading by roll call vote. Recorded votes during the adoption showed all participating councilmembers voting in favor (Gookin: yes; English: yes; Wood: yes; Miller: aye; Evans: yes; Gabriel: yes). Staff said the ordinance clarifies enforcement processes and gives municipal staff more options to investigate suspected illicit operations while protecting legitimate businesses.

What’s next: the ordinance was adopted per the council’s procedure; staff and police will apply the new licensing, inspection and record requirements to current and new facilities and will continue outreach with licensed legitimate providers.