Murrieta Massage Businesses More Tightly Regulated

MURRIETA, CA — The city of Murrieta has formally adopted an update to an existing ordinance that officials believe will help prevent illegal activities at massage businesses.

During the Aug. 3 city council meeting, council members signed off on the update that's designed to better align with state law while at the same time preventing massage businesses from concentrating in specific areas of the city.

The update comes after the Murrieta Police Department reported that law enforcement and
regulatory officials "have filed multiple charges" to various massage parlor workers
and businesses for alleged violations of the city's municipal code, including prostitution.

Under the update, 1,000 feet must be maintained between massage businesses in commercial areas, and only one establishment is allowed per every 5,000 residents.

There are also limitations on what types of massage businesses — stand-alone; "accessory use," like spas, salons and hotels; or home-based establishments — are allowed in specific zoning areas.

There is a grandfather clause, however, that allows existing massage businesses to continue operating if they don't meet the updated zoning requirements, provided they remain in good standing with the city.

Massage businesses that operate out of a residence will be phased out under the update. Two such establishments exist in the city and both are in good standing, so they will be permitted to continue, according to Murrieta Senior Planner Chris Tracy. However, once the two businesses close, no further home-based massage operations will be allowed in Murrieta under the newly updated ordinance.

In May, the city conducted community outreach as part of the massage ordinance update but, according to city officials, there was little feedback.