Committee continues massage‑permit cleanup ordinance after deputy city attorney flags substantive amendments

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the San Francisco Health Code (Article 29) intended to consolidate and clarify massage-establishment regulations and enforcement authorities.

Adam Tongs, legislative aide to Supervisor Mandelman, presented a package of cleanup amendments intended to reduce redundant local fingerprinting and notification requirements, clarify that solicitation of lewd conduct and prostitution is prohibited consistent with California Penal Code §647 and San Francisco Police Code §225, and make certain violations subject to enforcement as public nuisances under Article 11 of the Health Code. The amendments also would allow certain exterior keyless locks upon DPH approval and a valid access code.

Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson advised the committee that the proposed amendments are substantive and therefore the item must be continued to the next meeting for further processing. Chair Supervisor Catherine Stephanie moved to amend the ordinance as proposed and to continue the item; Member Dorsey and Chair Stephanie voted aye and the motion carried. The committee took no public testimony on the item at this meeting.

Next steps: the clerk will carry the amended ordinance to the next committee meeting for continued consideration; DPH staff was available to answer follow-up questions.