Glendale eyes rules for massage parlors

Massage parlors may soon need to get a permit if they want to operate in Glendale.

The Planning Commission on Wednesday will vote on amendments to the city code that would require all massage establishments — existing and new ones — to obtain a conditional-use permit.

A state law expired, and California officials reverted authority to regulate such businesses back to municipalities. Local officials say they are taking the opportunity to set up a channel between themselves and massage parlor owners.

“We’ll be able to evaluate owners and conduct background checks,” said city spokesman Tom Lorenz.

If a business fails to get a permit, it could be forced to close, according to the proposed code amendments.

Some massage parlors are suspected to serve as fronts for illegal activity.

Spearheading the discussion, Councilman Zareh Sinanyan said he knows not all massage parlors are hotbeds of prostitution, but until recently there had been a proliferation of the establishments along Colorado Street and Foothill Boulevard.

If the code revisions win support from the Planning Commission, they will head to the City Council for a final vote. If approved by council members, Sinanyan said he hopes the changes will discourage business owners who don’t comply with the law from continuing operation.

“I think those businesses that have opened up with the purpose other than being a genuine massage parlor will no longer find it attractive to be in Glendale,” he said.

Sinanyan added that the matter boils down to a quality-of-life issue because streets like Colorado and Foothill are adjacent to heavily residential areas.

Aside from requiring existing and future massage businesses to obtain permits, the shops will have to modify their storefronts so views of their lobbies from the front windows aren’t obstructed.

“The new ones that opened in the last two to three years, you couldn’t see inside,” Sinanyan said.

He said Massage Envy on Brand Boulevard is an example of a massage establishment with an unobstructed glass storefront.

At least 100 massage parlors operate in Glendale.

There have been reports of local customers asking for sexual favors at parlors as well as complaints from men and women of being touched inappropriately, said Glendale Deputy Police Chief Carl Povilaitis.

The council voted earlier this year to place a moratorium on new massage parlors opening in the city.

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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian