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Tempe commission approves use permit for massage spa after neighborhood objections
Summary
The Tempe Development Review Commission unanimously approved a use permit March 24 for a massage spa on North Scottsdale Road, despite neighborhood concerns about illicit operations and requests for proof of licensing. Staff recommended approval with conditions including background checks and a city/business license requirement.
The Tempe Development Review Commission on March 24 unanimously approved a use permit for Mali Spa, a proposed roughly 1,000‑square‑foot massage establishment on North Scottsdale Road, following public debate about neighborhood safety and licensing.
Chair Andy Johnson said the commission reviewed the application and staff analysis before opening the item for public comment. Applicant representative Daniel Suentes told the commission the proposal is for an appointment‑only business with four treatment rooms, hours proposed about 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and that the owner lives nearby. "This is someone from the community that is trying to open a business," Suentes said, adding the owner is minority‑owned and intends to follow city permitting requirements.
Neighbors urged the commission to deny the permit. "This shopping center has been plagued by tweakers, drugs, prostitution for years," said Lane Caroway, a Cavalier Hills resident, asking the commission to deny the application because of prior activity at the plaza and limited notice to neighbors. Kathy Brand, another Cavalier Hills resident, told commissioners she could not find state or corporate registrations for the applicant and cited statewide reporting about illicit massage businesses; she asked the commission to require "complete proof of registration, proper licensing, and strong safeguards" prior to approval.
An unnamed staff presenter summarized the staff review, noting the site is in the CSS zoning district, parking will not be intensified from the previous service use, and that staff received 14 letters in opposition and one phone call. "Staff is recommending approval subject to conditions," the staff member told the commission, listing two non‑standard conditions: hours of operation shall end no later than 7:00 p.m. Sunday through Saturday, and the use permit is valid only upon receiving a valid massage license and required city permits; the Tempe Police Department will conduct background checks prior to opening.
Commissioners asked staff about police review and enforcement. Staff said Tempe Police (SEPTA) reviewed the application and recommended increased lighting; staff also reported one police call at the location since 2021. Commission members noted the commission had approved about 35 similar use permits in the past seven years and that they had not seen recurring complaints tied to such permits.
Commissioner Stefan Richter moved to approve item 4D; Commissioner Joe Forte seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Because the commission's decision is a final decision of the Development Review Commission for this application, it may be appealed to the Tempe City Council within 14 calendar days of the commission's action, the chair said.
