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Zoning administrator approves home-based massage business at 3006 Aurora Court with conditions
Summary
The City of Santa Rosa zoning administrator approved a minor conditional use permit allowing a home-based massage/neuromuscular therapy practice at 3006 Aurora Court, imposing conditions including hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays), a one-client-at-a-time limit, an eight-client daily cap, designated path-of-travel and required massage-establishment registration; the decision is appealable through April 20, 2026.
The City of Santa Rosa zoning administrator approved a minor conditional use permit for a home-based massage and neuromuscular therapy practice at 3006 Aurora Court, imposing conditions intended to limit neighborhood impacts.
Suzanne Hartman, the project planner, told the zoning administrator the applicant (Active Motion Massage) proposes to operate by appointment only, with no nonresident employees, and with hours limited to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff found the proposal consistent with General Plan actions 2-5.4 and policy 2-9.2 and said the project qualified for categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA Guidelines §§15301 and 15183), noting staff had received public comments raising concerns about hours and parking.
Opposition from nearby residents focused on neighborhood character, parking and whether the operation was already occurring. Janice Carmen, who said she regularly attends local meetings, said she supported in-home massage but asked for enforceable standards for cleanliness and hours so the business does not "get out of control." Sandre Persons, a long-time resident of the Vista Delago community, urged denial and alleged the applicant was operating a gym in his garage that generated noise and foot traffic; Persons said the unit is an attached two-bedroom and worried about privacy and parking. Donica Hopkins and Myra McBain also expressed concern that approval would set a precedent that could conflict with the community’s CC&Rs.
The applicant, Anthony, described his practice as a neuromuscular therapy and pain-relief service rather than a traditional spa. "I don't use oils. I work with people through their clothes," Anthony said, adding that he is the sole practitioner and that working from home allows him to charge lower fees than some specialists.
Staff and the zoning administrator emphasized that the city enforces the zoning code, not homeowners' association CC&Rs, and described the code-enforcement process available if conditions are violated. During discussion the zoning administrator and applicant agreed to several conditions to reduce neighborhood impacts, including requiring patrons to use a designated pathway to the residence rather than cutting across lawns; limiting services to one client at a time; capping clients at eight per day; and requiring registration under the city's massage-establishment rules. The zoning administrator said these measures, together with a 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekday limit, would address the city's findings for a minor conditional use permit.
The zoning administrator approved the resolution with the conditions described. The decision is final unless an appeal is filed with the planning and economic development department within 10 calendar days (the zoning administrator cited an appeal deadline of Monday, April 20, 2026).
