La Palma council denies conditional use permit for Starlight Day Spa at La Palma Collection
Loading...
Summary
The council voted to deny a conditional use permit for a massage-establishment use at 7951 Valley View Street after staff cited unpermitted activity and code-enforcement evidence. The denial passed 4–0 with the mayor recused; the owner said he has removed advertising and will seek compliance.
La Palma — The City Council on March 4 denied a conditional use permit (CUP 394) that would have allowed massage-establishment services at Starlight Day Spa, 7951 Valley View Street, citing findings in a staff report and prior code-enforcement action.
In presenting the item, staff said the business had been operating with a business license for beauty services since May 2024 but that a post-application inspection uncovered marketing and on‑site activity inconsistent with the city's massage-establishment standards. "The draft resolution outlines findings of fact and justification that demonstrates that the proposed massage establishment use does not maintain the integrity and character of the NC zoning district and does not comply with all of the provisions of the La Palma Municipal Code," staff told the council.
Tom Scott, who identified himself as the business owner, addressed the council and said he had not intended to operate a full massage business and that the marketing materials and online listings had been removed once he learned of them. "We ceased all marketing and advertising references to massage services," Scott said, adding he had revised descriptions and implemented staff compliance steps. He said some earlier online listings had been removed and offered to host public information sessions to explain services.
Council members raised concerns about the cease-and-desist action, the presence of suggestive online advertising cited in staff materials and the location’s proximity to residences and Miller Elementary School. After public comment and council questions, Council member Debbie Baker moved to adopt a resolution denying CUP 394; the motion was seconded and carried with four yes votes and Mayor Waldman recused (recorded votes: Baker — Aye; Keo/ Kio Conklin — Aye; V. Patel — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem N. Patel — Aye; Mayor Waldman — recused).
The denial means the property cannot operate as a permitted massage establishment under the terms proposed; the business owner indicated he will work with staff on compliance for the business’s permitted beauty and wellness services.
