CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - With concerns about an increased number of new massage establishments opening in Citrus Heights, city planning staff hosted a community open house on Wednesday, March 1, to discuss changes to existing city regulations to cap the number of allowed massage establishments which can legally operate.

If passed, the updated regulations would go into effect on May 13, 2023.

The City of Citrus Heights has 29 licensed massage establishments. Under the proposed ordinance change, new licenses will not be issued until the number of licensed massage establishments is brought under the proposed cap total of 25, said City Planner Alison Bermudez.

If adopted by the City Council, this change to city regulations would limit the number to one licensed location per 3,400 persons. “Based on current population estimates of 86,367 persons, 25 establishments would be allowed in Citrus Heights,” she said.

According to Bermudez, due to the potential for unlawful activity that impacts surrounding neighborhoods and the potential for human trafficking to occur in massage establishments, the city is proposing what it considers to be a reasonable standard in capping the number of such establishments which are allowed to operate in Citrus Heights.

“The city has seen nearly a 100 percent increase in the number of massage establishments since 2019,” she said.

“We (the City) have received eight new business license applications to operate from March to December of 2022, and another three since January 2022, Bermudez said.

Limiting the number will “enhance the ability for the City and police department staff to ensure establishments comply with all requirements and ensure parity with nearby local agencies.”

A copy of the draft city ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.citrusheights.net/massage.

“As nearby communities continue to work together to adopt changes to their city ordinances governing the operations and licensing of massage establishments, some businesses have simply shut down and moved to new locations,” she said.

Any pending license applications submitted since January 2023 would remain pending until the total number of massage establishments is brought fully under the allowed cap.

The proposed regulation does not impact the sale or transfer of an existing license in good standing in the city, she explained.

“A new owner may acquire the business of another regardless of the licensing cap if the establishment is currently licensed, operating and in good standing,” Bermudez said.

If the business is not operational, or does not have a valid license, the business may only be reopened if the number of existing massage establishments is under the current cap, according to the proposal.

There are no changes to the licensing requirements for a massage establishment owner.

In Citrus Heights, all owners of massage establishments must either hold a valid certification from the California Massage Therapy Council (CMTC) or must obtain a special business license from the City of Citrus Heights. Special business licenses require processing and background checks through the police department.

A new requirement for establishments states if a massage business has windows facing the public way (road, walkway, parking area, or similar) visibility into interior reception areas through the use of curtains, blinds, or window tint may not be blocked.

Early warning devices, including video, light/music dimmers and electronic detection devices on the premises are prohibited, although an establishment may have burglar and fire alarm systems.

While not a new city requirement, but often overlooked by prospective massage establishment owners, if more than two therapists are working at the same time, the establishment must provide a minimum of two restrooms.

While there are no changes to the licensing requirements, all newly-licensed therapists must hold a valid certification from the California Massage Therapy Council. (CAMTC).

Questions or comments about the proposed regulations are welcomed by phone or email to: [email protected] or by calling Alison Bermudez at (916) 727-4740.

To report a tip on human trafficking, residents can call the California Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking at (888) 539-2373 or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at (888) 373-7888.