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Commission backs code change to allow therapeutic massage with conditional use in North of Market
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a planning code amendment to permit massage uses accessory to personal service businesses in the North of Market Special Use District under conditional use authorization, aiming to expand therapeutic services while retaining neighborhood safeguards.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a planning‑code amendment Thursday to allow therapeutic massage services as accessory uses to personal‑service businesses in the North of Market Special Use District, provided each new massage use obtains conditional use authorization (CU).
Diego Sanchez of the Planning Department outlined three reasons for supporting the ordinance: it increases access to therapeutic massage, aligns operating standards with existing health and planning codes, and preserves a CU requirement so staff and the commission can review concentration and neighborhood compatibility. Barbara Lopez, speaking for Supervisor Kim, described the change as a modernization of rules that previously aimed to control illicit activity associated with older iterations of "massage parlors," and argued the amendment balances neighborhood safety and small business opportunities.
Project proponents and operators from the Tenderloin described a planned healing‑space model that emphasizes licensed practitioners and safety protocols. Caroline Smith, one of the applicants, said the operation will follow Article 29 of the Health Code, require certification for therapists, perform background checks and install exterior surveillance. Advocates including Randy Shaw of the Chenowood Housing Clinic urged the commission to support neighborhood‑based, owner‑operated businesses.
Commissioners debated the need for careful conditions to prevent inappropriate concentrations and to ensure the principal use remains active retail or personal service in the corridor. Commissioner Moore said the CU process provides tools to monitor concentration and enforce standards and moved for approval. The motion passed on a recorded roll call with all six commissioners voting aye.
The amendment does not itself grant any specific conditional use authorization for individual establishments; it changes the zoning rules so future applicants can seek CU approval under the updated framework.
