Chapter 5.48 MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND SERVICES

A. The requirements and restrictions imposed by this chapter are reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city, while recognizing massage as a legitimate business interest that provides benefits to its patrons in a therapeutic setting.

B. This chapter is enacted pursuant to the provisions of the State Constitution, Sections 37100 and 51030 et seq. of the Government Code, Sections 460, 4600 through 4620 and Section 16000 of the Business and Professions Code, and Section 13 of the Chiropractic Act (initiative measure approved by the electors November 7, 1922, as amended) and AB 1147 (2014).

C. There is a significant risk of injury to massage clients by improperly trained and/or educated massage technicians, and this chapter provides reasonable safeguards against injury and economic loss.

D. There is opportunity for acts of prostitution, lewdness, and other unlawful sexual activity to occur in massage establishments, as well as problems relating to human trafficking in massage establishments. Courts have long recognized massage as a pervasively regulated activity and that massage establishments are often brothels in disguise. The establishment of reasonable standards for issuance of permits and restrictions on operations would serve to reduce the risk of illegal activity and would thereby benefit the public health.

E. The provisions of this chapter are intended to enhance the efficient processing of permits for massage establishments, operators, and employees, and the ongoing regulation of those permittees and certificate holders by the city of Gardena. The provisions of this chapter in no way limit the authority of the police department to inspect massage establishments or conduct investigations to ensure permittees are complying with applicable rules and regulations.

F. The California Massage Therapy Council (“CAMTC”) can better, and more efficiently, regulate massage technicians in order to best protect the public and it is in the public interest to require that all persons providing massage in the city have a certificate from CAMTC.

G. The restrictions and requirements contained in this chapter are intended to be in addition to the requirement of a valid business license issued pursuant to Chapter 5.04.

H. The regulations and restrictions contained in this chapter are intended to discourage massage establishments that are fronts for houses of prostitution, to protect the public from improperly trained massage technicians, and to protect against human trafficking, and the means utilized in this chapter bear a reasonable and rational relationship to the goals sought to be achieved within the confines allowed by state law.

I. The restrictions and requirements contained in this chapter are intended to stop the practice of businesses quickly changing ownership upon the discovery of criminal activity by the city.

J. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to be exclusive and compliance therewith shall not excuse noncompliance with any state or local laws or regulations that are uniformly applied to other professional or personal service businesses. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.020 Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall be construed to have the meanings set forth in this section, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended:

“California Massage Therapy Council” or “CAMTC” means the nonprofit organization created to regulate and issue massage practitioner and therapist certificates pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.

“CAMTC certificate” means a massage therapist certificate or massage practitioner certificate issued by CAMTC.

“Certificate of operation” means the certificate issued by the chief of police entitling a business to operate as a massage establishment.

“Chief of police” means the chief of police of the city of Gardena, or his/her designee.

“City” means the city of Gardena.

“City manager” means the city manager of the city of Gardena, or his/her designee.

“Compensation” means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit, exchange, or gift of money or anything of value.

“Conviction” or “convicted” means a guilty plea or verdict, or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere, where the time for appeal has elapsed or the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal, irrespective of an order granting probation following that conviction, suspending the imposition of sentence, or of a subsequent order under Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code allowing the applicant to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty, or dismissing the accusation or information.

“Employee” means any person who renders any service, with or without compensation, to a massage establishment relating to the day-to-day operation of the massage establishment, including a person who provides such services as an independent contractor.

“Main entry door” means a door from the outside of the establishment leading into the reception area.

“Manager” means the person(s) designated by the owner of the massage establishment to act as the representative and agent of the owner in managing day-to-day operations with corresponding liabilities and responsibilities. Evidence of management includes, but is not limited to, evidence that the individual has the power to direct or hire and dismiss employees, control hours of operation, create policy or rules or purchase supplies. A manager may also be an owner. A manager must have a valid operator permit.

“Massage” means any method of treating the external parts of the body for remedial, health, hygienic, or relaxation purpose. “Massage” includes, but is not limited to, treatment by means of manual pressure, acupressure, friction, stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or any other manner of touching, with or without the aid of or by means of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliance, or with rubbing alcohol, liniments, aromatics, antiseptics, oils, powders, creams, lotions, ointments, or other similar preparations. Massage specifically includes the application of any of these methods to the scalp, neck, or feet of any individual.

“Massage establishment” means any enterprise or establishment having a fixed place of business where any person engages in, conducts, carries on, or permits to be engaged in, conducted, or carried on, any of the activities set forth in the definition of “massage” in this section.

“Massage practitioner” means a person who is certified by the CAMTC in accordance with the Massage Therapy Act.

“Massage technician” means a massage practitioner or massage therapist certified by CAMTC.

“Massage therapist” means a person who is certified by the CAMTC in accordance with the Massage Therapy Act.

“Massage Therapy Act” means Chapter 406 of the 2013-2014 Legislative Session, as the same may be amended from time to time.

“Operator” means all persons who own or manage a massage establishment.

“Operator permit” means the permit issued by the chief of police allowing a person to own or manage a massage establishment.

“Owner” means all of the following:

A. The sole proprietor of a massage establishment, i.e., where the owner is the only person employed by that establishment to provide massage services;

B. In the case of a general business, each owner of the business;

C. In the case of a corporation, each stockholder holding more than ten percent of the corporation and each officer and director of the corporation;

D. In the case of a partnership or limited liability corporation, each partner, excluding limited partners and owners, and where a partner or owner is a corporation, the provisions on owners pertaining to a corporate applicant in subsection C of this definition apply.

“Patron” means a person receiving the services of a massage establishment, a parent or guardian accompanying a minor receiving the services of a massage establishment, or a person helping an elderly or infirm person receiving the services of a massage establishment.

“Permit” includes an operator permit, work permit, or certificate of operation, unless the context indicates otherwise.

“Permittee” means any person who has obtained a certificate of operation, operator permit, or work permit from the city of Gardena.

“Person who has engaged in disqualifying conduct” means a person who:

A. Within ten years preceding the date of filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation proceedings, within ten years preceding the date of the revocation notice, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any of the following:

1. A violation of any provision of law pursuant to which a person is required to register under the provisions of Penal Code Section 290; or

2. Conduct in violation of Penal Code Section 266h, 266i, 314, 315, 316, 318, 653.22, or 653.23, or subsections (a), (b) or (d) of Penal Code Section 647; or

3. An attempt to commit or conspiracy to commit any of the above mentioned offenses; or

4. Any other crime involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit; or

5. When the prosecution accepted a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a charge of a violation of Penal Code Section 415 or 602 or any lesser included or related offense, in satisfaction of, or as a substitute for, any of the previously listed crimes; or

6. Any crime committed while engaged in the management or ownership of a massage establishment or the practice of massage; or

7. A violation of Health and Safety Code Section 11550 or any offense involving the illegal sale, distribution or possession of a controlled substance specified in Health and Safety Code Section 11054, 11055, 11056, 11057 or 11058; or

8. Any offense under a statute of any state or ordinance of any city or county, which is the equivalent of any of the aforementioned offenses, including Business and Professions Code Section 4609(a); or

B. Within ten years preceding the date of the filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation proceedings, within ten years preceding the date of the revocation notice, has had any massage establishment, operator, technician, practitioner, therapist or trainee certificate, license or permit issued by any state, local agency or other licensing authority denied, revoked or suspended, or has had to surrender such a license or permit as a result of pending criminal charges or in lieu of said license or permit being suspended or revoked; or

C. Has been subjected to a permanent injunction against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to Sections 11225 through 11235 of the Penal Code as the same may be amended from time to time, or any similar provisions of law in a jurisdiction outside the state of California; or

D. Within five years preceding the date of filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation proceedings, within five years preceding the date of the revocation notice, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any of the following:

1. Any crime, other than an infraction or those listed above, involving dishonesty, fraud, or deceit with the intent to substantially benefit himself or another, or substantially injure another; or

2. Any crime, other than an infraction or crimes relating to those offenses listed above, where the crime or act is substantially related to the management or ownership of a massage establishment or the practice of massage, including a violation of the Massage Therapy Act; or

E. Has been found to be maintaining a nuisance in connection with the same or similar type of business; or

F. Within five years preceding the date of filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation proceedings, within five years preceding the date of the revocation notice, has engaged in the exposing of specified anatomical areas of oneself or of another person to view, or in touching the specified anatomical areas of oneself or of another person, while providing massage services or while within view of a customer or patron of the massage establishment; or

G. Within five years preceding the date of filing of the application in question or, in the case of revocation proceedings, within five years preceding the date of the revocation notice, has been the owner, manager, or other similar position in an establishment where there is substantial evidence that disqualifying conduct described above has occurred by others on the premises, regardless of whether there was a conviction of such persons;

H. Disqualifying conduct does not include the failure to obtain a certificate of operation, operator permit or work permit without any prior oral or written notification by the city that such was required; provided, that the business and/or person cease operations immediately upon notification.

“Proof of bona fide employment” means proof of an employer-employee relationship between the operator of the massage establishment and any person working at the massage establishment. Satisfactory proof of bona fide employment must be shown by written payroll documentation evidencing the employer’s compliance with California Employment Development Department (EDD) requirements for the withholding of California income tax, unemployment insurance contributions and disability contributions from the employee and written payroll documentation of the employer’s compliance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requirements for the withholding of federal income taxes, Social Security (FICA) and Medicare contributions from the employee. Such written documentation can include, but is not limited to, W-2 wage and tax statements.

“Reception area” means an area immediately inside the main entry door of the massage establishment dedicated to the reception and waiting of patrons and visitors of the massage establishment and which is not a massage room or otherwise used for the provision of massage services.

“Residence address” means the actual physical home address and shall not include a P.O. box, mailbox service, or other similar location.

“Sole provider” means a massage business where the owner owns one hundred percent of the business, is the only person who provides massage services for compensation for that business pursuant to a valid and active CAMTC certificate, and has no other employees or independent contractors.

“Specified anatomical areas” means any of the following human anatomical areas: genitals, pubic area, buttocks, anus, or female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areolae, without a health care referral and written consent of the patron.

“Visitor” means a nonemployee who has entered the massage establishment, for purposes other than receiving massage services.

“Work permit” means the permit issued by the chief of police allowing a person to work in a massage establishment in a capacity other than as an operator or massage technician. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.030 Exceptions.

A. The requirements of this chapter shall have no application and no effect upon and shall not be construed as applying to:

1. Any physician, surgeon, chiropractor, acupuncturist, osteopath, or physical therapist licensed to practice such profession in the state of California within the scope of their license;

2. Any registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse, licensed to practice under the laws of the state of California, who is an employee of and working under the on-site direction of a physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, or physical therapist, duly licensed to practice their respective professions in this state.

a. Any other person employed by a physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, or physical therapist shall be required to have a valid CAMTC certificate to administer a massage as well as work under the adequate supervision of such physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, or physical therapist as required by state law or regulation. If no specific law or regulation applies, adequate supervision shall have the same meaning as set forth in 16 California Code of Regulations Section 312.

b. If a duly licensed acupuncturist wishes to provide massage therapy services to his or her clients by an individual(s) other than himself or herself, said individual(s) must have a valid CAMTC certificate and the office of the acupuncturist shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter as well as any other applicable provisions of the Gardena Municipal Code.

3. Any person licensed to practice any healing art under the provisions of Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code when engaging in such practice within the scope of such license.

4. State-licensed hospitals, nursing homes, sanatoriums, or other health care facilities duly licensed by the state of California, and the employees of such facilities while working on the premises of such state-licensed facilities.

5. Accredited high schools, junior colleges, and colleges or universities whose coaches and trainers are acting within the scope of their employment.

6. Barbers, beauticians, or manicurists who are duly licensed by the state of California pursuant to the Barbering and Cosmetology Act set forth in Business and Professions Code Section 7300 et seq., as the same may be amended from time to time, while engaging in practices within the scope of such license, except that this exemption applies solely for the massaging of the neck, face, and/or scalp of the customer or client of said barber or beautician or, in the case of a licensed manicurist, the massaging of the forearms, hands, calves, and/or feet.

7. Schools of cosmetology or barbering which comply with the requirements of Business and Professions Code Section 7362 et seq. when instructors are acting within the scope of their employment or when students are working as unpaid externs pursuant to the requirements of Business and Professions Code Section 7395.1.

8. Any other business or professions exempt by state law.

B. The following businesses shall be partially exempt from this chapter and shall only have to follow the specific listed requirements:

1. Businesses that offer ancillary massage services shall only be subject to the requirements set forth below. Ancillary massage services shall be those services performed at a business where fifteen percent or less of the overall business operations are related to provision of massage services as measured by the percentage of gross sales or floor area devoted to provision of massage, whichever is greater, as documented in a floor plan provided to the police department. Businesses to which this exemption may apply include, but are not limited to, health clubs, spas and beauty salons. Any such business that exceeds the fifteen percent limitation shall be required to comply with the provisions of this chapter, as well as any other provisions of law.

a. Massage services must be performed by the holder of a valid CAMTC certificate.

b. Massages may only be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. A massage begun any time before 10:00 p.m. must nevertheless terminate at 10:00 p.m.

c. The business shall comply with the following provisions of this chapter:

i. Section 5.48.140(C) relating to instruments, equipment and personnel;

ii. Section 5.48.140(D)(1) through (3) relating to personnel lists;

iii. Section 5.48.140(E) relating to prohibited conduct;

iv. Section 5.48.150(A) through (F) relating to building and facility requirements; and

v. Section 5.48.160 relating to inspections.

2. Any persons providing massages that (a) do not involve disrobing and (b) are not administered in a room separate and apart from the primary business activity at the business location, as documented in a detailed floor plan, subject to the requirements set forth below:

a. Massage services must be performed by the holder of a valid CAMTC certificate.

b. Massages may only be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. A massage begun any time before 10:00 p.m. must nevertheless terminate at 10:00 p.m.

C. Any person claiming exemption under this section shall furnish satisfactory evidence upon request that he or she is entitled to such exemption, including proof of bona fide employment, or if applicable, a citation to the particular provision of state law upon which that person relies. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.040 Business license/other permits required.

A. Nothing herein relieves an individual or business from obtaining a city business license, conditional use permit in accordance with Chapter 18.46, or other permit if otherwise required by law.

B. Any individual applying for a business license as a massage practitioner or a massage therapist shall provide proof of a current CAMTC certificate before being issued a business license. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.045 Floor plans required.

A. All massage establishments shall be required to submit a scaled floor plan as part of their application for a certificate of operation.

B. All businesses that claim a partial exemption from this chapter pursuant to Section 5.48.030(B) shall be required to submit a detailed and scaled floor plan in order to verify the applicability of the exemption.

C. No changes may be made to the approved floor plan without written approval from the community development department, which may require modification of the conditional use permit. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015)

Article II. Massage Therapists and Practitioners

5.48.050 CAMTC certificate required.

A. No person shall provide massage services from any location in the city without having been issued a CAMTC certificate, regardless of whether such person has an operator or work permit or the business has a certificate of operation.

B. No operator of a massage establishment shall hire as an employee or utilize as an independent contractor to provide massage services unless such person has been issued a CAMTC certificate.

C. Any person with a CAMTC certificate who desires to operate a massage establishment or work in a massage establishment in a capacity other than as a massage therapist or massage practitioner must file a permit application in accordance with Article III of this chapter for an operator permit or a work permit. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

Article III. Certificates of Operation, Operator and Work Permits

5.48.055 Certificate of operation and permit requirement.

A. No person shall own or manage any massage establishment in any location within the city without first having obtained an operator permit.

B. No massage establishment shall be allowed to operate within the city unless the business first obtains a certificate of operation. No certificate of operation shall be approved until each operator identified in the application has obtained an operator permit.

C. Work Permit. No person shall work as an employee in a massage establishment in a capacity other than operator, massage therapist or massage practitioner, without first having obtained a work permit and no operator of a massage establishment shall allow any such person to work without a valid work permit.

D. The provisions of Sections 5.48.045, 5.48.140, 5.48.150, 5.48.160 and 5.48.170 shall apply to any business that operates as a massage establishment, even if such business fails to obtain operator permits or a certificate of operation. The chief of police may immediately order a massage establishment that fails to have a certificate of operation or a permitted operator to cease operation. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015)

5.48.060 Application – General provisions.

A. Any person desiring to obtain a certificate of operation, operator permit and/or a work permit shall make application in accordance with the provisions of this article. A nonrefundable fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council shall accompany the submission of each application, to defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report.

B. All applications shall be dated and shall contain the following statements:

1. A certification under penalty of perjury that the information contained in the application is true and correct; and

2. An authorization for the city, its officers, agents and employees to seek information and conduct an investigation into the truth of the statements set forth in the application and to ensure continual compliance with all applicable provisions of law.

C. Upon receipt of a completed application, the chief of police shall cause an investigation to be conducted by the appropriate departments within the city, including state and local background checks to be conducted for operator and work permits, as specified herein.

D. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application, the chief of police shall either issue the certificate of operation or permit or mail a written statement of his/her reasons for denial thereof. Notwithstanding the above, failure of the city to act upon a completed application within the time frame set forth above shall not be deemed approval of the application pursuant to this chapter. Any certificate of operation or permit issued pursuant to this subsection shall be deemed conditional pending the city’s receipt of the California Department of Justice report on the applicant’s fingerprints. If the fingerprint report demonstrates that the applicant has made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the permit application or in any report or record required to be filed therewith, or discloses any disqualifying conduct, the permit shall be subject to denial or revocation pursuant to this chapter.

E. If the chief of police denies an application, a renewal for an application or suspends or revokes a permit, all massage activity at the massage establishment (in the case of a certificate of operation or an operator permit where there are no other valid operator permits) or all activities by an employee (in the case of work permit) must cease following issuance of such denial and no activity for which the certificate of operation or permit is required shall be conducted while any appeal of the denial may be pending.

F. The chief of police may condition applications or renewals to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.070 Certificate of operation.

A. Applications for a certificate of operation shall include the information set forth below:

1. The full name of the applicant;

2. The name under which the business is to be conducted, which name must match the name of the business under which the corresponding business tax certificate is issued under Chapter 5.04. No massage establishment shall operate under any business name or conduct business under any designation not specified in the certificate of operation. If the applicant is a corporation, the name shall be exactly as shown on the articles of incorporation;

3. The address of the proposed massage establishment;

4. A legal size copy of the floor plan approved as part of the conditional use permit, drawn to scale showing: entrances; exits; windows; interior doors; restrooms; all other separately enclosed rooms with dimensions, including but not limited to closets, storerooms, break rooms, and changing rooms; and location of massage tables and chairs;

5. A description of any other business operated on the same premises;

6. A detailed description of the operation and type of services to be provided by the massage establishment, including other therapies to be provided, proposed days and hours of operation and number of massage therapists and practitioners and employees who will provide services at the establishment;

7. The name of each operator of the massage establishment; and

8. The name and business addresses and phone number of the owner of the premises, if other than the applicant, on which the massage establishment is to be located. In the event the applicant is not the legal owner of the property, the application must be accompanied by a copy of the lease and a notarized acknowledgment from the owner of the property that a massage establishment will be located on his or her property.

B. The chief of police shall issue a certificate of operation, unless, after investigation, he or she makes any of the following findings:

1. The massage establishment would not comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to building, fire, zoning, health and safety regulations, and cannot be conditioned to so comply; or

2. Any operator of the massage establishment has failed to obtain an operator permit.

C. A sale or transfer of any reportable interest in a massage establishment, which interest would be required to be reported under subsection (A)(7) of this section in the first instance, shall be reported to the chief of police within ten calendar days of such sale or transfer. The new operator shall apply for and obtain an operator’s permit within sixty days of the date of reporting or the certificate of operation shall be null and void and subject to revocation in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

D. A certificate of operation is not transferable to a new business at the same location, to a separate location of the same business, or the same business under different ownership at the same location.

E. Every massage establishment for which a certificate of operation has been granted pursuant to this chapter shall display the certificate in a conspicuous place so it may be readily seen by persons entering the premises.

F. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, where a notice of intent to suspend or revoke, or a notice of suspension or revocation, has been issued regarding a massage establishment, or the business has otherwise been required to close because of suspension or revocation proceedings against the operator, the chief of police shall not process or issue a new application for a certificate of operation for said location unless or until the suspension or revocation proceedings are dismissed or a final determination is made that the current certificate of operation should not be suspended or revoked, or a three-year period has passed since the occurrence of the activity which gave rise to the suspension or revocation or other criminal actions. This provision is not meant to prohibit the issuance of a certificate of operation to a business which initially failed to obtain a certificate of operation without any prior oral or written notification by the city that such was required; provided, that the massage establishment cease operations immediately upon notification by the city.

G. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, when a massage establishment has been closed due to criminal activity and such decision is final, no new massage establishment may open in such location and no certificate of operation shall be issued for such location for a period of three years from the date of such final determination. For purposes of this section, closure due to criminal activity includes voluntary closure of the business after there have been arrests at the location or other notices relating to criminal activity or notices relating to suspension or revocation proceedings. This provision is not meant to prohibit the issuance of a certificate of operation to a business which initially failed to obtain a certificate of operation without any prior oral or written notification by the city that such was required.

H. Where the applicant for the certificate of operation is not the record owner, as shown on the latest county assessment roll, then upon issuance of the certificate, the city shall send written notice to the property owner advising of the issuance of the certificate and the regulations applicable to the massage establishment and the property pursuant to this chapter; this may be accomplished by including a copy of this chapter with the notice. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.080 Operator and work permits.

A. Application – Contents. Applicants for operator and work permits shall submit the following information:

1. The full true name of the applicant;

2. A complete statement listing and explaining any and all aliases and fictitious names used by the applicant within the ten years immediately preceding the application;

3. The current residence and business address and telephone numbers of the applicant;

4. A list of all previous residential and business addresses for a minimum of ten years immediately preceding the present address of the applicant and the dates of residence for each address;

5. The applicant’s place of birth, and original documentation to verify both the applicant’s identity and employment authorization (if applicable), as listed under 8 USC 1324a(b)(1) and 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1). Documentation to satisfy this requirement may include, but is not limited to, a California driver license, California identification card, Social Security card, resident alien (“green”) card, United States passport (unexpired or expired), unexpired foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp, or an unexpired employment authorization document issued by the United States Government in compliance with 8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(v)(A);

6. The history of the applicant as to any similar business or occupation within ten years immediately preceding the filing of the application. Such information shall include, but not be limited to, the names and addresses of any other massage establishments or similar businesses the applicant has owned, managed, provided massage technician or any other services at, or worked at, whether the applicant has had a permit or license to operate, manage, provide massage technician or any other services at, or work at a massage establishment denied, revoked or suspended in any jurisdiction; the reasons for any such denial, revocation or suspension; and the business, activity or occupation the applicant engaged in subsequent to such denial, revocation or suspension;

7. All criminal convictions within the last ten years, excluding minor traffic violations, and the date and place of each such conviction and reason therefor;

8. A complete set of the applicant’s fingerprints taken by the Gardena police department. The applicant shall be responsible for payment of any fingerprinting fee;

9. The name and address of the establishment where the applicant will be working and, if the applicant is claiming to be an employee of the establishment, proof of bona fide employment by the massage establishment; and

10. Such other reasonable identification and information as the chief of police may require in order to discover the truth of the matter specified as required to be set forth in the application.

B. All applicants for operator and work permits shall have their pictures taken by the Gardena police department.

C. The chief of police shall issue such permit as requested, unless after investigation he or she makes any of the following findings:

1. The applicant has failed to provide information, documentation and assurances required by this chapter or by the chief of police; has failed to reveal any fact material to qualification; or has supplied information that is untrue or misleading as to a material fact pertaining to the qualification criteria; or

2. The applicant is a person who has engaged in disqualifying conduct; or

3. There is substantial evidence that the applicant has engaged in disqualifying conduct, even if there is no conviction for such conduct; or

4. The applicant has violated any provision of this chapter, or any similar ordinance, law, rule, or regulation of any other public agency which regulates the operation of massage establishments. This provision is not meant to prohibit the issuance of an operator permit to a person who initially failed to obtain an operator permit or certificate of operation without any prior oral or written notification by the city that such permit or certificate of operation was needed; provided, that the massage establishment and/or person cease operations upon notification; or

5. The criminal history background check report demonstrates that the applicant has made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the permit application or in any report or record required to be filed therewith, or discloses any disqualifying conduct; or

6. The applicant is not at least eighteen years of age; or

7. The applicant is delinquent in paying city fees or penalties owed in relation to any permit issued pursuant to this chapter.

D. Permits issued pursuant to this section shall remain in effect, unless revoked, for a period of three years. Applications for the renewal of a permit shall be filed on a form supplied by the city with the chief of police. Temporary permits shall not be issued and expired permits are not valid, unless the permittee has a written receipt showing that the renewal application was filed at least thirty days prior to expiration, without action having been taken by the chief of police. Any permittee allowing his or her permit to lapse shall be required to submit a new application and pay the corresponding original application fees. Applications shall be signed under penalty of perjury and shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable filing fee established by separate resolution of the city council to help defray the cost of the investigation required by this chapter. An applicant shall be required to update the information contained in his/her original permit application and provide any new and/or additional information as may be reasonably required by the chief of police in order to determine whether said permit should be renewed, including all information required by subsection A of this section. Failure to provide this documentation shall be grounds for nonrenewal of the permit.

E. Automatic Issuance for CAMTC Certificate Holders.

1. Any person who holds a valid CAMTC certificate as a massage therapist or a massage practitioner shall only be required to provide the following information on a form that includes the statements set forth in Section 5.48.060(B), along with a fee in an amount set by resolution of the city council:

a. The full true name of the applicant;

b. The current residence and business address and telephone numbers of the applicant; and

c. The name and address of the massage establishment for which the operator or work permit is sought.

2. A copy of the applicant’s CAMTC certificate and CAMTC identification card shall be provided with the application.

3. The applicant shall be required to have his picture taken as specified above.

4. The operator or work permit shall automatically issue upon verification of the CAMTC certificate by the police department. No background check shall be required.

5. Renewals shall be required, but such renewals shall be automatic and no fees shall be required as long as the applicant maintains a valid CAMTC certificate.

F. Every person to whom a permit has been granted pursuant to this chapter shall be issued an identification badge by the Gardena police department which shall contain the person’s name, photograph, expiration date and any other information deemed necessary by the chief of police. The badge shall be worn so as to be readily visible at all times while on the premises of the massage establishment.

G. Permits issued pursuant to this chapter may not be assigned or transferred.

H. Operator Provisions.

1. Each operator shall be responsible for the conduct of all employees and independent contractors working on the premises of the business. Failure of the employees or independent contractors to comply with this chapter may result in the revocation of the operator’s permit.

2. The operator of the massage establishment is responsible for verifying that all persons hold the appropriate CAMTC certificate or work permit as required by this chapter.

3. Any requirement of this chapter applying to an operator shall apply to each and every operator of a massage establishment. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.090 Changed information.

It is the duty of each operator and permittee to notify the chief of police whenever there is a change in information which was required to be submitted in the application. Such notification shall be in writing and made within ten business days of the change. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.100 Suspension and revocation of permits and certificates.

A. Action of Chief of Police. Subject to the procedures set forth in this section, the chief of police may suspend or revoke a permit issued pursuant to this chapter whenever the chief of police determines that any of the following has occurred:

1. The permittee, or an employee or independent contractor working on the premises, is conducting operations in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code;

2. The permittee, or an employee or independent contractor working on the premises, is conducting operations in a manner which constitutes a public nuisance;

3. The permittee, or an employee or independent contractor working on the premises, is conducting operations in a manner which is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the city or its inhabitants;

4. There is substantial evidence of prostitution;

5. The permittee, or any employee or independent contractor working on the premises, has engaged in disqualifying conduct; or

6. The chief of police makes any of the findings that would have justified denying the application in the first instance.

B. If, in the discretion of the chief of police, an alleged violation is minor and capable of correction, then prior to suspension or revocation a written notice shall be given to the permittee of the alleged violation(s) involved to allow a period of time to correct the alleged violation(s), which period shall not exceed five business days, at the end of which period an inspection shall be conducted to determine whether the alleged violation(s) has been corrected. For purposes of this section, written notice may be in the form of a notice of violation or an administrative citation.

C. If the chief of police determines that an alleged violation is not minor or capable of correction, that an alleged violation(s) continues without correction, or that there have been previous violations of this chapter, even if for different reasons, then the chief of police may issue a notice of intent to suspend or revoke, along with an administrative or criminal citation. Examples of a violation which will be determined to be not capable of correction include but are not limited to substantial evidence of prostitution activity on the massage establishment premises or an immediate threat to health, safety or welfare.

D. Notice of Intent to Suspend or Revoke. A notice of intent to suspend or revoke shall contain a statement of an alleged violation(s) which constitutes the basis for the suspension or revocation, notice of the right of the permittee to respond to the charges either orally or in writing to the chief of police for a pre-appeal determination, notice of the right to appeal to the city manager, and notice that a failure to respond in the time specified shall constitute a waiver of the right to respond, but not the right to appeal. If an alleged violation is capable of correction, the notice shall also advise the permittee to correct an alleged violation(s) within the time to respond.

E. Response to Notice of Intent.

1. The time to respond and request a pre-appeal determination shall be five business days from the date of the service of the notice, regardless of whether the materials upon which the notice of intent is based are provided to the permittee at that time.

2. If there is no response, the permit shall be considered suspended or revoked upon expiration of time in which to respond and request a pre-appeal hearing.

3. If there is a response, the permit shall remain in effect until a determination is made by the chief of police. In no event shall the chief hold a hearing until at least five business days have passed from the time the city provides the materials upon which the notice of intent is issued to the permittee.

F. Suspension or Revocation.

1. If, after consideration of the permittee’s response, if any, the chief of police determines that the notice of intent to suspend or revoke should be upheld, then the chief of police shall issue a notice of suspension or revocation and serve it upon the permittee as well as any other interested person requesting a copy of the same. Where all massage activity is required to cease, notice shall also be served on the owner of the property if different from the operator or certificate holder. The notice shall include information about the right to appeal.

a. Upon issuance of a notice of suspension or revocation of a certificate of operation, all massage activity at the massage establishment shall cease and no activity for which the certificate of operation is required shall be conducted while any appeal may be pending.

b. Upon issuance of a notice of suspension or revocation of an operator permit, the operator must cease all work at the massage establishment. If there is no other person who has an operator permit which is not the subject of a suspension or revocation proceeding, then all massage activity at the massage establishment shall also cease and no massage activity shall be conducted while any appeal may be pending.

c. Upon issuance of a notice of suspension or revocation of a work permit, all work activity by the subject employee shall cease and no activity for which the permit is required shall be conducted while any appeal may be pending.

G. Surrender of Certificate of Operation and Permits. Any permittee shall immediately surrender his or her permit or certificate to the chief of police upon its suspension or revocation. The operator shall immediately surrender the certificate of operation upon revocation of an operator permit if there is no other permitted operator. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.110 Appeals to city manager.

A. Appeals.

1. Appeals from a decision of the chief of police to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit shall be in writing, shall clearly state the applicable basis for the appeal, and shall be filed within the following time frames:

a. Appeals from a decision to deny a permit shall be filed not later than ten calendar days following the notice of denial.

b. Appeals from a notice of intent to suspend or revoke a permit where no response is filed in accordance with Section 5.48.100(E) shall be filed no later than ten calendar days following the expiration of the response period.

c. Appeals from a notice of suspension or revocation issued after a response is filed in accordance with Section 5.48.100(E) shall be filed no later than ten calendar days following the notice of suspension or revocation.

2. The city clerk shall not accept an appeal from a decision of the chief of police, and no hearing shall be held, unless the appellant has paid a filing fee, in an amount set by resolution of the city council, to defray the cost of such appeal. Any appeal without the timely payment of fees shall be considered to be untimely.

3. The scope of the appeal hearing pursuant to this section shall be limited to those issues raised by the appellant in the written appeal, as submitted pursuant to subsection (A)(1) of this section.

B. City Manager Action.

1. Upon receipt of a timely filed appeal, the city clerk shall set the matter for hearing before the city manager. The hearing shall be held not fewer than ten calendar days nor more than thirty calendar days from the date of the appeal request. The hearing may be continued from time to time upon the mutual consent of the parties. For the purposes of this section, “city manager” includes a hearing officer appointed by the city manager, in which case the city manager shall adopt the hearing officer’s decision as his own.

2. The appellant shall be provided with notice of the time and place of the appeal hearing, as well as a copy of all relevant materials at least seven calendar days prior to the hearing.

3. At the time of such hearing, the city manager shall review the records and files relating to the decision.

a. The city manager shall permit any interested person, including the chief of police and the appellant, to present any relevant evidence bearing on the issues involved in the matter.

b. In conducting the hearing, technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses shall not apply. Any relevant evidence may be admitted if it is material and if it is evidence customarily relied upon by responsible persons in the conduct of their affairs regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule which might make admission of such evidence improper over objection in civil actions. Hearsay evidence may be admissible if it is the sort upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs. The rules of privilege shall be applicable to the extent they are now or are hereafter permitted in civil actions. Irrelevant, collateral, and repetitious testimony shall be excluded.

c. In determining whether a person should be disqualified for meeting the definition of a person who has engaged in disqualifying conduct, the city manager may consider: the nature and severity of the act(s) or crime(s); whether there were any additional subsequent act(s) or crime(s); the number of act(s) or crime(s); and how recent the act(s) or crime(s) were.

4. The appellant shall have the burden of proving that he or she meets the requirements for issuing the permit in the first instance. The chief of police shall have the burden of proving that grounds exist for revoking or failing to renew a permit.

5. Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing, the city manager shall determine whether the decision by the chief of police should be affirmed, modified or reversed.

6. The city manager’s decision shall be communicated in writing to the appellant within ten working days after the close of the hearing and submission of the matter to the city manager for decision. The city manager’s decision shall state whether the decision of the chief of police is affirmed, modified or reversed and shall state the reasons therefor. The city manager’s decision shall also state that it is final and conclusive, that judicial review may be sought therefrom pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5, and that any action filed in the superior court shall be filed within ninety days following the city manager’s notice pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1726 § 9, 2011; Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.130 Notices.

A. All notices required to be given pursuant to this chapter shall be served on the responsible party (i.e., permittee, applicant or appellant) either by personal delivery or by deposit in the United States mail in a sealed envelope postage prepaid addressed to such responsible party as the name and address appear in the most recent application on file with the city. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed on the date deposited in the mail.

B. In all cases where the certificate of operation holder is not the property owner, notices shall also be sent to the property owner of record where the notice relates to possible closure of the business due to suspension or revocation. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

Article IV. Operation and Facility Requirements

5.48.140 Operational requirements.

A. Hours and Conditions of Operation.

1. No massage establishment shall operate nor shall any massage be administered in any massage establishment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. A massage begun any time before 10:00 p.m. must nevertheless terminate at 10:00 p.m. The hours of operation must be displayed in a conspicuous public place in the reception area within the massage establishment and in any front window clearly visible from outside of the massage establishment.

2. During hours of operation, no person other than a valid permit holder under this chapter, a massage technician, or a patron shall be allowed beyond the reception area of the massage establishment.

3. Patrons and visitors shall only be permitted in the massage establishment during the hours of operation.

a. Visitors shall only be permitted in the reception area of the massage establishment.

b. Patrons shall only be permitted in massage treatment areas if at least one massage technician is on the premises.

4. The massage establishment shall be supervised during all hours of operation by the owner of the establishment or the manager specified in the permit application. The name and photograph (minimum size of four inches by six inches) of the on-duty operator shall be posted in a conspicuous public place in the reception area of the massage establishment at all times that the business is open. This provision shall not apply to sole providers.

5. No massage establishment shall be used for residential purposes. There shall be no massage tables, cots, or beds in the establishment other than as shown on the approved floor plan.

B. Posting Requirements. In addition to any other requirements for posting set forth in this chapter, the following shall also apply:

1. A recognizable and legible sign complying with the requirements of this code shall be posted at the main entrance identifying the establishment as a massage establishment.

2. Each service offered, the price thereof, and the minimum length of time such service shall be performed shall be posted in a conspicuous public location in each massage establishment. No services shall be performed and no sums shall be charged for such services other than those posted.

C. Instruments, Equipment, and Personnel.

1. Disinfecting agents and sterilizing equipment shall be provided for any instruments used in performing acts of massage and said instruments shall be disinfected and sterilized after each use.

2. Unless otherwise approved by a conditional use permit, massages shall be administered only on standard or portable massage tables or chairs which are covered with a durable, washable plastic or other acceptable waterproof material. Beds, mattresses, water beds, futons, sofa beds, any type of portable or convertible beds, and foam pads more than four inches thick or with a width of more than four feet shall not be permitted in the establishment.

3. No massage technician shall massage the genitals or anal area of any patron, nor shall any operator of a massage establishment allow or permit such a massage to the above-specified areas.

4. No massage technician shall massage the breasts of a female patron without the written consent of the person receiving the massage and a referral from a licensed California health care provider, nor shall any operator of a massage establishment allow or permit such a massage to the above-specified area.

5. A massage shall not be given and no patron shall be in the presence of any massage establishment staff unless the patron’s genitals, and, if a female patron, the female patron’s breasts, are fully covered by a fully opaque, nontransparent covering.

6. Persons providing services in the massage establishment shall not be dressed in attire that: is transparent, see-through, substantially exposes the massage technician’s undergarments; exposes the massage technician’s breasts, buttocks or genitals; is in a manner which has been deemed by CAMTC to constitute unprofessional attire based on the custom and practice of the profession in California; or in swim attire unless such person is providing a water-based massage modality which has been approved by CAMTC.

7. All massage establishments shall be so equipped, maintained and operated as to effectively control the entrance, harborage, and breeding of vermin, including flies. When flies or other vermin are present effective control measures shall be instituted for their control or elimination.

8. Clean and sanitary towels, sheets and linens shall be provided for each patron of the establishment. No common use of towels or linens shall be permitted. Heavy white paper may be substituted for sheets; provided, that such paper is used once for each person and then discarded into a sanitary receptacle.

9. All massage tables shall be at least two feet away from all walls at all times.

D. Personnel Lists.

1. Within seven calendar days of receiving a certificate of operation, the operator shall provide the police department with a complete list of all massage therapists, massage practitioners and other employees who are or will work, be employed or provide massage services in the massage establishment along with a copy of their CAMTC certificate and identification card, as well as the name and residence address of the manager principally in charge of the operation of the massage establishment.

2. The operator shall have a continuing obligation to notify the chief of police in writing of any changes in employees and massage therapists and massage practitioners within seven calendar days of such change.

3. The operator shall maintain copies of each massage technician’s CAMTC certificate and identification card on file on the premises of the massage establishment which shall be available to any individual upon request, including but not limited to employees of the city. Additionally, the operator shall be required to file copies of each CAMTC certificate with the police department within seven days of a massage therapist or massage practitioner beginning to work at the massage establishment. Information required by this section shall be maintained at the massage establishment for a minimum of two years following the date that the person ceases providing services/employment to the massage establishment.

4. The operator shall maintain on the premises of the massage establishment a register of massage technicians and other non-state certified persons employed, working or providing services therein. The register shall be maintained for a minimum of two years following the time that the person ceases providing services/employment to the massage establishment. The operator shall at all reasonable times make the register immediately available for inspection upon demand of a representative of the police department, any health officer, or any other official charged with enforcement of this chapter. The register shall include but is not limited to the following information:

a. Name, nicknames and/or aliases;

b. Home address and relevant phone number, including but not limited to home and cell numbers;

c. Age, date of birth, gender, height, weight, color of hair and eyes;

d. The date of employment, and termination, if any;

e. The duties of each person; and

f. In a separate portion of the register, Social Security numbers, which shall only be available for review by the Gardena police department or other law enforcement personnel, but not health officers or other officials charged with the enforcement of this chapter.

E. Prohibited Conduct.

1. No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, or furnished on the premises of any massage establishment without a valid alcoholic beverage license.

2. No storage of condoms or spermicides shall be permitted within the massage establishment.

3. No person shall use or possess, nor shall there be any storage of, any sexually-oriented implements or paraphernalia which are designed or marketed primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs or sadomasochistic activity.

4. No electrical, mechanical or artificial device shall be used by any massage establishment staff for audio and/or video recording or for monitoring the performance of a massage, or the conversation or other sounds in the massage rooms or restrooms.

5. No massage establishment shall place, publish or distribute or cause to be placed, published or distributed any advertising matter that depicts any portion of the human body that would reasonably suggest to prospective patrons or clients that any service is available other than those services described in this chapter and posted on the premises as required in this chapter, nor shall any massage establishment employ language in the text of any advertising that would reasonably suggest to a prospective patron that any service is available other than those services described in this chapter and posted on the premises as required by this chapter.

6. No arrangements for massage services to be performed shall be made in a room in the massage establishment used for the administration of massage, unless no other room exists in the establishment. No massage technician shall, after the commencement of any service for any patron, advise, suggest or otherwise indicate to such patron that any additional service is available, or ask or inquire of such patron whether such patron desires any additional service to be performed. No massage technician shall perform any service for any patron which was not ordered by such patron prior to the commencement of performance of any service rendered. No patron shall directly pay or give any gratuity to any massage technician, employee or operator, and no such person shall solicit any gratuity from any patron. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1726 § 10, 2011; Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.150 Building and facility requirements.

The following regulations shall apply to all massage establishments:

A. The building, or unit within the building where the massage establishment is located, shall comply with all applicable building code requirements.

B. All massage rooms and dressing rooms shall be screened off by hinged doors that can open inward. Swinging doors that can be opened inward, draw drapes, curtain enclosures, or accordion-pleated closures in lieu of doors are acceptable on all inner dressing rooms and massage therapy rooms or cubicles. Except for bathroom doors and an office, no interior door may have a lock.

C. In addition to the minimum lighting required by the provisions of Title 15, all rooms in which massages are being provided shall be lit with a minimum of one light fixture emitting at least two hundred ten lumens for every one hundred fifty square feet of space during the administration of such services. No dimmer switches, strobe lights, flashing lights, colored lights, or any coverings or other apparatus other than a lampshade which changes the color or darkens the color of the primary light source shall be used in any room in which massage services are being provided.

D. Any locker facilities provided for the use of patrons shall be fully secured for the protection of the patron’s valuables and the patron shall be given control of the key or other means of access.

E. The walls in all rooms where water or steam baths are given shall have a washable mold-resistant surface.

F. All walls, ceilings, floors, pools, showers, bathtubs, steam rooms and all other physical facilities for the establishment must be in good repair and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Wet and dry heat rooms, steam or vapor rooms, or steam or vapor cabinets, shower compartments, and toilet rooms shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day the business is in operation. Bathtubs shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

G. One main entry that enters into the reception area shall be provided for patron use. All patrons, and any persons other than those providing services at the massage establishment, shall be required to enter and exit through the front door of the establishment.

H. All exterior doors (except rear exterior doors used only for employee entrance to and exit from the massage establishment) shall remain unlocked during business hours, and the establishment shall comply with the provisions of the Gardena Municipal Code pertaining to the posting of signs stating that doors shall remain unlocked during business hours. Exits for fire safety purposes may be allowed where deemed necessary by the appropriate public safety agency. Notwithstanding the above, the front door may be locked if there is no staff available to assure security for the clients and massage staff who are behind closed doors, provided that the massage establishment is owned by one individual with one or no employees or independent contractors.

I. There shall be no buzzer, alarm or intercom system.

J. No massage establishment located in a building or structure with exterior windows fronting a public street, highway, walkway, or parking area shall block visibility into the interior reception and waiting area through the use of curtains, closed blinds, tints, or any other material that obstructs or substantially darkens the view into the premises at any time. The interior of the business shall be plainly visible from the exterior of the business by passing vehicles and pedestrians. Translucent UV films or tints shall be allowed provided they do not violate these provisions and if a sample has been approved through the conditional use permit process or by the community development department. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.160 Inspections.

A. Representatives of the city’s community development department, business license office, and police department; agents for the city from the county fire department and health department; and representatives of any state or local agencies with regulatory authority over massage establishments shall have the right to enter massage establishments, from time to time, during regular business hours, or at any time that the massage establishment is occupied or open for business, to verify the massage establishment is in compliance with all applicable laws without a search or inspection warrant to make reasonable inspection to ascertain whether there is compliance with the provisions of this chapter without the need for an inspection or abatement warrant.

B. The operator shall cause to be conspicuously posted so that the same may be readily visible to persons in the reception area of the massage establishment and in each room in which massage treatments are administered, in letters that are a minimum of one inch in height, a notice in English which provides substantially as follows:

THIS MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE MASSAGE ROOMS DO NOT PROVIDE COMPLETE PRIVACY AND ARE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION BY CITY AND HEALTH OFFICIALS WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

C. No person shall refuse to permit, cause delay, or interfere with a lawful inspection or compliance check of the premises by the officials listed in subsection A of this section at any time. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)

5.48.170 Violation – Nuisance/remedy.

A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in conduct that violates any provision of this chapter, to engage in conduct which fails to meet the standards set forth in this chapter, or to own, manage, or operate a massage establishment that is not fully in compliance with the operational standards set forth in this chapter.

B. Any massage establishment operated, conducted or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be and is declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance and the city may, in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action under this chapter, commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings, for the abatement, removal and enjoinment thereof, in the manner provided by law, including any code enforcement procedures established pursuant to the laws of the state of California and the city of Gardena; and shall take such other steps and shall apply to such court or courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as will abate or remove such massage establishments and restrain and enjoin any person from operating, conducting or maintaining a massage establishment contrary to the provisions of this chapter. If an injunction is sought, attorney’s fees and costs will be assessed at the discretion of the court against the party subject to said injunction.

C. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense for each and every day during which such violation is committed or continued.

D. Any violation of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor unless, in the sole discretion of the city prosecutor, it is charged or reduced to an infraction. Citations and warning notices may be utilized as determined appropriate to the circumstances by the enforcing personnel. (Ord. 1758 § 1 (part), 2015: Ord. 1714 § 1 (part), 2010)