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Public testimony urges council to amend licensing to allow infrared sauna studios; ordinance laid over
Summary
Business owners and neighborhood advocates told the council a proposed code amendment to permit infrared-heated sauna fitness studios would expand local small-business options; the council closed the hearing and laid the ordinance over for final adoption next week.
The St. Paul City Council heard public testimony supporting a proposed amendment to the legislative code that would update licensing and definitions to allow infrared-heated sauna fitness studios and make other licensing clarifications.
The item, Ordinance 25-24, would amend chapter 427 of the Legislative Code to incorporate uniform license procedures and update license categories, including adding infrared-heated saunas to the appropriate fitness-studio definition. The public hearing drew statements from business owners, neighborhood groups and property owners who said the change would allow local ventures to operate on a similar footing to suburban locations.
Owners Malik and Natalia Davis, who operate Hot Works in the Midway area, described health and community benefits and said their studio opened in January and has attracted more than 270 members. They urged the council to allow the business to operate comparable hours and licensing as similar franchises in the region. Customers and neighborhood groups, including the Hamline Midway Coalition, testified about health improvements and the studio's positive community presence.
Justin Bryant, a Wellington Management representative that owns property near the studio, said the business had increased positive activity around the building and reduced nuisance behavior. Testimony also emphasized the amendment would apply to any business seeking to operate a similar use in the city, not just the one studio.
The council closed the public hearing and laid the ordinance over to March 26, 2025 for final adoption, to allow staff time to review materials and for council members to consider amendments.
Ending: The ordinance will return to the council for a final vote on March 26; testimony at today's hearing highlighted local economic and health benefits and urged quicker permit and licensing clarity for small businesses.
