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Planning commission backs 1,000-foot sensitive-use and 300-foot boundary buffers for massage businesses
Summary
The commission voted to initiate ZTA 26-02 (Resolution No. 26-06) to add a 1,000-foot buffer from sensitive uses and a 300-foot jurisdictional-boundary buffer for massage establishments, aiming to locate such businesses in the city's industrial western area and address prior illicit activity and CUP revocations.
South El Monte Planning Commission members voted to initiate a zone text amendment (ZTA 26-02) and approve Resolution No. 26-06 recommending City Council adopt buffer rules for massage establishments.
Staff explained the proposed rules were prompted by prior illicit activity at massage businesses and subsequent conditional-use-permit (CUP) revocations. The proposal would require massage establishments to be at least 1,000 feet from sensitive uses — including daycare centers, religious institutions, schools, youth centers, residential zones and parks — and at least 300 feet from the city's jurisdictional boundary, which staff said would concentrate allowable locations in the city's western/industrial portions. Staff said approximately 105 parcels would remain available under the proposal and that any new establishment would create an automatic 500-foot separation for future uses.
"Staff is proposing a buffer requirement for massage establishments of at least 1,000 feet from the following sensitive uses daycare centers, religious institutions, schools, youth centers, residential zone properties and parks," staff said during the presentation.
Commissioners asked whether any applications exist (staff: inquiries only, no active permits) and how measurement would be taken; staff clarified measurement begins at the parcel/property line. Commissioners also asked whether the city could ban massage establishments outright; staff said that a complete ban is not permissible and that approvals are considered case-by-case through the CUP process.
The commission moved, seconded and approved initiation of ZTA 26-02 and adoption of Resolution No. 26-06; roll-call votes passed. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for consideration.
