The city of Morro Bay doesn’t have local rules for massage establishments and technicians, but a new city ordinance could change that.
“This ordinance is being brought forward to City Council to provide for the orderly regulation of massage establishments and to prevent and discourage the misuse of massage therapy as a front for illicit activities in violation of state law,” Police Chief, Amy Watkins, said in an email to New Times.
According to Watkins, residents have raised concerns for several years about both the number of massage establishments operating in Morro Bay and the possibility that some may be engaged in “illicit activity.” The Morro Bay City Council discussed the potential for new regulations at its Nov. 12 meeting.
“Because the city does not currently have local business regulations specific to massage establishments or technicians, any response to potential illicit activities is necessarily reactive in nature, which may undermine the public’s confidence and ability to distinguish between legitimate business and potential illicit activities,” the staff report said.
Morro Bay recognizes massage as a viable professional field that offers the public valuable health and therapeutic services, the report added. However, it also noted that operators who engage in illicit activities “undermine legitimate businesses.”
“The ordinance would provide minimum building, sanitation, operational, and other standards for such businesses,” staff wrote, “and add minimum qualifications for the operators and employees of such businesses to minimize opportunities for illegal activities and help protect the public health, safety, and welfare.”
Under the proposed framework, massage establishments would be required to obtain a local license, and owners would need background check approval by the police chief.
Establishments would need to comply with building and zoning requirements, maintain clean linens and equipment, keep complete service lists and records, and display technician certifications. Hours of operation would be limited from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and residential massage businesses would require a home-occupation permit.
The ordinance would also establish requirements for massage technicians. Those certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) would be permitted to work under state regulations, while uncertified technicians would need to apply for a local permit and may be subject to a background check, according to the staff report.
Enforcement provisions would allow the Morro Bay Police Department to conduct site inspections, issue notices of violation, and recommend suspensions or revocations when necessary. Appeals would be heard by either the City Council or a designated hearing officer.
Courtney Shepler, a Morro Bay resident, submitted a public comment thanking the council for considering options to better regulate massage establishments in Morro Bay as she has had concerns about a specific business that opened in North Morro Bay two to three years ago.
“When the new establishment opened … there was considerable concern among neighbors as the establishment did not present as a place welcoming of locals interested in legitimate massage therapy,” she said.
According to the staff report, these types of ordinances are standard in municipalities seeking to deter illicit activity associated with massage businesses and to clearly distinguish legitimate therapeutic operations from those potentially operating unlawfully.
A first reading and public hearing on the draft ordinance is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 9. ∆
This article appears in Nov 13-23, 2025.
Too little, too late….😐
It’s call free Enterprise for a reason leave these businesses alone and stop trying to be dictators to the public. These businesses have been around for years and obviously have also been helping a lot of people with health related practiced that supports the daily functions. It’s also unimportant to worry about what others are using these health practices for. Everyone has different needs an required inquiry. It’s unfair to regulate a professional business where it’s not necessary because it’s probable cause that some wives might have suspension or tendencies of jealous behavior towards husband or men getting massages. These a policy of privacy and confidentiality for a reason. Let these businesses be an let them thrive Ive had back pain for some years and they have been helpful an made me feel confident to go to work and perform daily functions as needed. Thank you massage therapy.
Can someone provide a list of these ‘illicit businesses and locations?’
Purely for informational purposes only 😉