Massage Permits May Be Put on Hold

The City Council on Monday is expected to temporarily halt the issuance of permits to massage parlors.

The emergency ordinance is being taken to the council after the city received a rash of applications.

“All of a sudden it has become an issue. . . . We don’t know what motivated it or if it’s a coincidence,” said David Lepo, the city’s community development director.

Lepo said the moratorium will allow officials to revise the city’s current massage-parlor ordinance, which hasn’t been updated in many years. He said the city needs to exercise caution when issuing such permits because many cities have experienced problems with massage parlors being used as fronts for prostitution or other illegal activity.

“We want to make sure our ordinance protects the legitimate licensed operators and keeps the illegitimate out of the city,” Lepo said.

If approved, the moratorium would be effective for 45 days. After that, the city could extend it for an additional 10 1/2 months if it needs more time for the revision.

The council meets at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 3191 Katella Ave.

Information: (562) 431-3538.