San Francisco massage practitioners urge relief from costly permits and zoning enforcement

Several massage practitioners told the Health Commission during public comment that recent enforcement activity and a required health-establishment permit are imposing prohibitive costs and creating confusion about zoning and licensing.

Kim Pierce, a massage therapist formerly at Active Space in the Mission, said a cease-and-desist forced her from her space and she cannot afford the permit process as a sole proprietor. "I cannot afford this very expensive permitting process," she said, adding that she wants to work legally and on the record but cannot meet the fees in San Francisco's high cost environment.

Jonathan Jordan and other practitioners described receiving cease-and-desist letters despite being certified and having business licenses. Commenters criticized unclear instructions (one example cited an incorrect reference to a "CAMTC license" on a notice) and said the enforcement process puts the onus on individual small-business owners to navigate conflicting agency steps. Speakers asked for clearer guidance, administrative relief and reconsideration of the policy so legitimate practitioners are not driven out.

Doctor Colfax responded in the director's report that the department is implementing the Board of Supervisors' legislation on permits and noted the board is reviewing the ordinance. Commissioners asked the department to explore administrative relief and to report back on what the department can do given the current Board of Supervisors ordinance.

The commission acknowledged the testimony and directed staff to prepare a report on administrative options and to coordinate with the Board of Supervisors as it reconsiders the policy.