Council Orders Sherman Oaks Massage Parlor to Shut Down

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday ordered the closing of a Sherman Oaks massage parlor under a law prohibiting adult businesses within 500 feet of homes.

An attorney for Flamingo Massage at 4622 Van Nuys Blvd. vowed to challenge the action in court.

A 1986 city ordinance requires sexually oriented establishments to close their doors by March, 1988, if they are within 500 feet of residences. So far, 12 businesses have ceased operation, said Jim Carney, chief building inspector. Seven have been referred to the city attorney’s office for prosecution for violating the law, and 58 have filed appeals to the City Council for extensions of time to stay in business, Carney said.

Flamingo Massage was the first appeal to reach the council. The council unanimously and without discussion denied the appeal.

The council can grant a three-year extension if the operators can show financial hardship and long-term leases. But a city zoning administrator said in a report to the council that the owner of Flamingo Massage does not have such a hardship.

Susanne L. Greene, an attorney for Flamingo Massage, told the council that the massage parlor has been in business for 13 years and that there have been no complaints from neighbors. She produced letters from area residents who support the business.

“The business has never been a blight in the neighborhood,” she said. She contended that the law is “unconstitutional on its face.”

A request for an extension of time to stay in business by Studio City’s controversial Le Sex Shoppe comes before the council next week.