Planning commission approves massage business at Redondo Shores with permit conditions

The Planning Commission on Dec. 19 approved a conditional use permit allowing a franchised massage business to operate in a 2,630‑square‑foot tenant space (Suite 100) at 409 North Pacific Coast Highway (Redondo Shores Shopping Center).

Senior planner Steven Yang presented the proposal and said the applicant plans 10 massage rooms, a reception area, a restroom and support spaces. The applicant proposed hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and Yang said the franchise (Now Massage) operates multiple locations in Southern California. The staff report noted the plaza has approximately 468 parking spaces and that the last parking study (2016) showed a weekday surplus; the proposed use requires 11 parking spaces under the municipal code and was expected to be accommodated on site.

Yang told commissioners that massage businesses are subject to additional licensing through the County of Los Angeles Department of Health before a city business license is issued. The staff recommendation included conditions limiting employees, hours, prohibiting alcohol service and requiring the use of interior space only.

Applicant Marjana Nemanavi, a new franchisee, and company representatives addressed the commission and said the franchise offers training and operational support. Architect Stacy Wellnitz answered construction questions. An employee of the franchise’s operations team indicated the applicant is a priority franchise owner within the corporate system and offered operational support.

The commission voted to approve the exemption declaration and conditional use permit. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all voting commissioners recorded as aye. Conditions require the applicant to obtain county permits and local business license renewals and to operate only inside the specified suite.