Planning commission recommends approval of tightened massage‑establishment rules, including CAMTC certification and annual permits

The Jurupa Valley Planning Commission on April 23 voted to adopt Resolution PC‑2025‑07 recommending that the City Council approve Zoning Code Amendment ZCA‑22005, which revises chapter 5.45 and related sections of the municipal code to update regulation and oversight of massage establishments; the commission also found the amendment exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Principal planner Jim Petches presented the ordinance and said the city initiated the update to address unpermitted businesses and to bring local rules into alignment with state licensing requirements. Petches said the draft ordinance is modeled in part on a Temecula ordinance and incorporates California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification requirements and an application and permit structure administered by the city.

Key provisions in the proposed amendment, as explained by staff, include:

- Mandatory CAMTC certification for massage professionals and a requirement that certifications be displayed at establishments and that license names and certificate numbers appear in advertising. - A new city massage establishment permit (in addition to business registration) required for all facilities, with annual renewal and applications due 60 days before expiration. Existing businesses would have 60 days to apply after the ordinance takes effect. - Expanded grounds for permit denial and revocation, including conviction of specified crimes, employment of non‑CAMTC certified personnel, on‑site violations involving drugs or alcohol, or prior revocations; revocation would bar reestablishing the same business at the same location for five years. - Operational standards and limits, including reduced hours (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.), mandatory records and employee rosters for inspection, sanitation requirements and at least two scheduled inspections per year; outcall services would require CAMTC photo identification for personnel and additional documentation. - Appeals to the Planning Commission and City Council and penalties for noncompliance, including public abatement procedures where appropriate.

Petches told the commission that six massage businesses currently operate in the city and would be subject to the new permit process. Catherine Reed of the City Attorney’s Office, who helped draft the ordinance, advised commissioners on constitutional limits to warrantless searches: ‘‘There is clearly established case law that says that an ordinance cannot create unconstitutional conditions . . . an applicant or permittee agreeing to a warrantless search of their facility,’’ she said, adding that law enforcement may pursue separate investigatory avenues.

Commissioners asked about unscheduled inspections, permit renewal enforcement and fees; staff and counsel said code enforcement would pursue violations, citations and, if necessary, public abatement and that a fee will be set through the city’s fee‑study process. After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded a motion recommending the City Council adopt ZCA‑22005 and the commission unanimously approved Resolution PC‑2025‑07.

The item will now go to the City Council for final action and the ordinance’s operational and enforcement details will be implemented through administrative procedures, fee studies and code enforcement practices if the council approves the amendment.