Santa Rosa Planning Commission Regular Meeting - February 27, 2025

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a regular meeting on February 27, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:17 PM. The meeting included public comments, commissioner reports, a department report, and a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Massage Ordinance and Adult Entertainment Business Zoning Code. All seven commissioners were present.

Consent Calendar

• None.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Duane Dewitt (Roseland resident) urged the commission to advocate for the inclusion of a greenway and bikeway along Roseland Creek in the Active Transportation Plan. He noted that land was purchased in 2011 for this purpose and criticized the lack of progress.
• Mike Cook (business owner) expressed support for the proposed massage ordinance but objected to the 10:00 PM closing time, stating legitimate massage businesses typically close by 7:00 PM. He reported 32 massage parlors within a half-mile of his office and concerns about late-night operations.
• Kurtis Bennett spoke in support of the ordinance but raised concerns about the draft language allowing certification by bodies “equivalent or superior” to the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), arguing that CAMTC is the only state-authorized certifying body and that the language could create loopholes. He also recommended against allowing three procedural violations before revocation, suggesting that even a single violation should trigger revocation.
• Jessie Spearlings (certified massage therapist) supported the ordinance but called for stronger consequences for landlords who rent to illicit businesses and for a dedicated reporting line for suspicious activity. She noted that many legitimate therapists face reputational harm from illicit operators.

Discussion Items

• Commission Business:
  • Statement of Purpose was read by Chair Weeks.
  • Commissioner Reports: Commissioner Sanders reported on the Waterways Advisory Committee (WAC), noting the election of a new chair, Art Dike, and vice chair Kevin Shea. He announced that 400 volunteers removed 1,200 cubic yards of garbage from local creeks during Creek Week and that the Colgan Creek Restoration project (budgeted at $6.5 million) is out to bid.
  • New Commissioner Introduction: Chair Weeks welcomed newly appointed Commissioner Miles Horton, who thanked the council and staff.
  • Vice Chair Election: Commissioner Sanders nominated Vicki Duggan for vice chair; seconded by Commissioner Cisco. Commissioner Duggan accepted and was unanimously re-elected by a 7-0 vote.
  • Waterways Advisory Committee Reappointment: Chair Weeks reappointed Commissioner Sanders to the WAC; he accepted.
• Department Report: Deputy Director Jessica Jones welcomed Commissioner Horton, noted that the General Plan update will come before the commission within months, and announced a study session on the Missing Middle Housing Ordinance before the Design Review Board on March 20 and a community meeting on March 24. An orientation for boards and commissions is scheduled for March 11.
• Public Hearing – Massage Ordinance and Adult Entertainment Zoning Amendment:
  • Staff presented by Gabe Osburn (Planning Director) and Lou Kirk (Assistant Chief Building Officer). They highlighted that approximately 130 massage businesses operate in Santa Rosa, some linked to illicit activities including prostitution and human trafficking. The proposed ordinance would replace Chapter 6-32 with a new Chapter 20-49, requiring city certification, background checks, operational standards, and tiered enforcement. Separate amendments would clarify permitting requirements for adult entertainment businesses (requiring a conditional use permit).
  • Key features discussed: 180-day compliance period, prohibition of neon signs, exemptions for short-term events (e.g., farmers markets), and administrative adjustments for minor relief.
  • Commissioners debated provisions:
    • Hours of operation: Originally 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Commissioners expressed consensus to close by 8:00 PM (with patrons vacated by 8:30 PM and custodial staff allowed from 9:00 PM).
    • Definitions: Commission directed staff to add a definition for “administrative adjustment” and to refine the definition of “certified massage therapist” to clarify CAMTC as the certifying body, with a safety net for future state law changes.
    • Violation threshold: After discussion, the commission retained the original structure—three procedural violations within two years trigger revocation—rejecting proposals to change the number or timeframe. Staff explained that procedural violations are minor (e.g., late fee payments) and are distinct from gross violations (which warrant immediate action).
  • Staff also noted two minor scrivener’s errors (section references) that would be corrected.

Key Outcomes

• Vice Chair Election: Commissioner Vicki Duggan was re-elected vice chair for the upcoming year (7-0 vote).
• Waterways Advisory Committee: Commissioner Sanders was reappointed as the commission’s representative.
• Resolution PC-RES-2025-001 (Massage Ordinance): The commission voted 7-0 to recommend the city council adopt the amended ordinance, incorporating changes to hours (8:00 PM closing), definitions, and administrative adjustment language, as read into the record. The corrections to section references were included.
• Resolution PC-RES-2025-002 (Adult Entertainment Business Zoning): The commission voted 7-0 to recommend a zoning code amendment requiring conditional use permits for adult entertainment businesses in commercial and industrial zones.
• Both resolutions will advance to the Santa Rosa City Council on March 4, 2025, with second reading on March 18 and effective date 30 days later. The massage ordinance includes a 180-day compliance period for existing businesses.