Reacting to reports of scandalous goings-on at some Morgan Hill
massage parlors, the City Council Wednesday took steps to put the
businesses on a more professional footing. Currently about all that
is necessary to get a business license to operate such an
establishment is proof of a correspondence course and to pay a
small fee. Morgan Hill Police Lt. Joe Sampson said public safety
was at issue.
Reacting to reports of scandalous goings-on at some Morgan Hill massage parlors, the City Council Wednesday took steps to put the businesses on a more professional footing.
Currently about all that is necessary to get a business license to operate such an establishment is proof of a correspondence course and to pay a small fee. Morgan Hill Police Lt. Joe Sampson said public safety was at issue.
“We want to prevent Morgan Hill becoming an easy target for unprofessional and illegal behavior,” Sampson said. “Massage is a valid therapy, but we still have to promote a safe and professional environment.”
The ordinance changes, he said, would bring Morgan Hill in line with requirements in other communities.
“Most have a minimum of 100-150 hours of hands-on experience,” Sampson said. “Some have 300-500 hours, compared to our requiring only correspondence courses.”
Council’s second goal in revising the ordinance is to increase cost recovery from issuing permits, placing the fees closer to what actual staff processing time costs the city.
“Compared to other cities,” Sampson said, “we were by far the lowest (in fees), at least by $100.”
A massage establishment permit will now cost $209 with $105 for renewal and managing or practitioner permits will be $139 and $69 to renew.
Sampson said the matter came up because the police have received several calls from citizens reporting what looked like behavior unusual for massage parlors.
“Red flags were going up,” he said.
Councilman Greg Sellers, who voted with all four other council members for the ordinance changes, said they were walking a fine line.
“We’re trying to balance legitimate business practices with illegal activities.”
Other changes in the ordinance include eliminating a requirement for a written and practical examination before a permit can be issued because it lacks personal to give the tests, prohibiting birth control devices on the premises and banning on-site visits to hotels and motels calling for massage.
Police are now authorized to inspect any massage parlor during business hours to see if they are following the rules.
