Committee advances massage‑establishment zoning amendment, duplicates file for further changes

The Land Use & Transportation Committee on Dec. 6 voted to forward an amended planning‑code ordinance on massage establishments to the full San Francisco Board of Supervisors and to duplicate the file for additional substantive changes. Chair Supervisor Melgar opened the item by noting the file had been heard in committee previously and that the latest package included several amendments.

Amy Beinhardt, legislative aide to Supervisor Ronan, told the committee the "change is highlighted on page 10, line 18, with the insertion of the words 'not a residential hotel.'" Beinhardt also said staff recommended duplicating the file to pursue further amendments — including adding "accessory to health services" as an exception for massage uses — and continuing the duplicated file to the call of the chair after Planning Commission review.

Following a brief public‑comment period (the clerk reported no callers for the item), Supervisor Peskin moved the non‑substantive amendment, then moved to duplicate and continue the duplicated file. The clerk recorded roll calls with Supervisors Peskin, Preston and Melgar voting "aye" on both motions. Peskin then moved to send the amended original file (file 210381) to the full Board of Supervisors as a committee report; the roll call again recorded three ayes and Chair Melgar announced the motion passed.

The committee’s actions leave the original ordinance on the Board’s agenda while the duplicated file will return to committee after Planning Commission review. No final policy changes were adopted beyond the committee report and the duplication/continuation action.