Committee backs conditional-use process to allow accessory massage in North of Market

The Land Use and Transportation Committee voted unanimously to forward an ordinance that would allow massage services as an accessory use to existing personal-service businesses (for example, nail salons, spas and barbershops) in the North of Market Special Use District, provided the business secures a conditional-use permit.

April Vanarasione Ang, presenting on behalf of Supervisor Kim, said the change responds to neighborhood evolution and efforts to expand small-business opportunities in the Tenderloin area. Diego Sanchez of the Planning Department told the committee that the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the proposed ordinance on March 10 and supported the conditional-use requirement "because it strikes a balance between increasing access to massage therapy while establishing the regulatory controls, to assure safe and legitimate operation." The ordinance would amend the district to permit massage only as an accessory use and maintain a CU process for oversight.

Prospective business owners and community members spoke in support. Speakers described a proposed Japanese-style small business combining a restaurant, tea service and wellness components including massage; tenants and neighborhood groups (including a tenant organizer whose remarks were delivered by a Central City SRO collaborative representative) said the applicants held community outreach meetings and sought to address neighborhood concerns. A hotel representative and other neighbors also expressed support for the applicants’ community engagement.

After public comment, the committee moved the ordinance forward with a positive recommendation to the full Board by unanimous voice vote.

The ordinance will return to the full Board for further consideration and any required environmental or procedural reviews.