HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2512-5609CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, January 12, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
8.FIRST READING: Adoption of an ordinance to Amend Chapters 4.54 and 4.56 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code to Amend the Regulation of Massage Establishments and Hot
Tub/Sauna Establishments as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee; and
Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the Administrative Penalty Schedule to Amend
Related Penalties; CEQA status - not a project.
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Police
Meeting Date: January 12, 2026
Report #:2512-5609
TITLE
FIRST READING: Adoption of an ordinance to Amend Chapters 4.54 and 4.56 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code to Amend the Regulation of Massage Establishments and Hot Tub/Sauna
Establishments as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee; and Adoption of a
Resolution to Amend the Administrative Penalty Schedule to Amend Related Penalties; CEQA
status - not a project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt an ordinance (Attachment A) amending the Palo Alto
Municipal Code Chapter 4.54 on massage establishments and Chapter 4.56 on hot tub/sauna
establishments, as unanimously recommended by the Policy and Services Committee on
October 29, 2025 with minor updates from public feedback as detailed below in this staff
report. Staff also recommend adoption of a resolution amending the Municipal Penalty
Schedule (Attachment B) to conform existing penalties to new code numbering and delete
penalties for sections no longer used.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed ordinance updates the Palo Alto Municipal Code to regulate massage and
massage therapists in Palo Alto as well as hot tub/sauna businesses. For massage businesses
and therapists, the codes provide clear standards to ensure massage therapy businesses are
run safely and legally by setting basic rules for their buildings, cleanliness, and staff
qualifications, while also deterring illegal activities like human trafficking, wage theft, and
prostitution. This update allows only massage therapists certified by the state-sanctioned
non-profit California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to conduct massage in the city for
the businesses. The new framework also offers City enforcement staff a broader mandate,
increased options for enforcement, and clearer parameters for action. Updates to existing
fees will be considered.
For Hot Tub/Sauna establishments, the proposed code directs the business operator to
comply with County of Santa Clara requirements so the city can delete redundant codes.
BACKGROUND
Palo Alto’s regulation of massage and hot tub/sauna businesses has evolved over the years. For
massage businesses, it began formally in the early 1970s when the city enacted PAMC 4.54 to
regulate massage businesses, in response to concerns about health and public safety. Codes
were removed in 1997 to allow home-based massage businesses1.
In 2008, the regulatory landscape for massage therapy in California underwent a pivotal
transformation with the passage of Senate Bill 731 (SB 731). This legislation established the
California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), a private, non-profit organization tasked with
overseeing the voluntary statewide certification of massage professionals. By creating a unified
framework for certification and granting CAMTC the authority to conduct background checks
and regulate massage schools, SB 731 replaced the previous patchwork of inconsistent local
regulations with uniform state standards, thereby elevating professional standards and
enhancing public protection. Further regulatory updates by state legislature came in 2011 (AB
619), reverting some control over massage business licensing back to local jurisdictions. In
response, the City adopted an ordinance updating the Municipal Code in 20122. This is the last
time the PAMC was updated for massage.
Staff has identified 19 existing massage establishments that will need to obtain establishment
permits under the new code. Every massage therapist working in Palo Alto is already CAMTC-
certified or is working on obtaining certification. Staff has identified one Hot Tub/Sauna
business.
ANALYSIS
This discussion will address massage businesses and then hot tub/saunas. Since the last time
Palo Alto updated the PAMC related to massage businesses in 2012, several more state
assembly bills have been passed. The proposed ordinance would align Palo Alto with current
state law, the CAMTC standards, and updated regulatory practices, fostering a safe and healthy
environment for the massage business community, service providers, and the customer.
Similar to the current code, the proposed code requires massage establishments and
practitioners to meet certain minimum standards, including building, sanitation, and
1 City Council, June 10, 1997 Report #273-97 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=65065
2 City Council, July 23, 2012, Report #2988 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/
DocView.aspx?id=78648
Passed on September 9, 2012 https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendasminutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/00-archive/2012/09-04-12-agenda.pdf)
operational requirements. Massage establishments will continue to have a local permit to
operate, with provisions for annual permit renewals, application procedures, and associated
fees. Like current code, the proposed code requires permits to be displayed where they are
easily visible and allows city officials to inspect establishments to ensure compliance. Both
existing and proposed codes provide a process for denying, suspending, or revoking permits if
applicants or permit holders are found to have violated certain rules or laws, and in both, there
is an appeals process for those who have been denied a permit or had one revoked.
Staff would like to express appreciation to the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task
Force, CAMTC staff, and City of Sunnyvale personnel for their valuable input and collaboration
in developing these amendments to the massage ordinance. Their expertise and support were
instrumental in shaping these changes.
For hot tub/sauna code sections, much of the code is deleted and the licensing requirement is
changed from City issuance to a requirement it be licensed by the County of Santa Clara, which
already licenses such businesses for compliance with County environmental health standards.
Since the Policy and Services review, the Department conducted two outreach sessions and
follow-up discussions with the business community and updated the ordinance Policy and
Services recommended advancing to City Council based on the feedback received. Those
updates are reflected in the ordinance in Attachment A and include:
1.Hours of Operation
For massage establishments that have been in operation for 10 years or longer, the
Department reinstated an exemption process to allow establishments to provide
massage services past 10:00 p.m. However, even with an exemption, no massage shall
conclude later than midnight. The hour restriction does not apply to the use of hot tubs
and saunas at combined hot tub/massage establishments.
2.Posting of Price List
The originally proposed ordinance required all services and prices to be displayed in a
public area. In recognition of a combination of massage and non-massage (hot tub)
offerings and variable pricing (e.g., based on time, day, or holiday), the Department
updated the proposed ordinance to require only that massage service prices be posted,
with an allowance for price variability.
3. Main Entry Door
The Department has updated the proposed ordinance to permit one or more entry
doors leading directly to the reception and waiting area, rather than limiting
establishments to a single entry. This change is intended to prevent patron entry from
inconspicuous or rear entrances while allowing flexibility in business layout.
4. Locking of Interior Doors
The updated language now allows practical exceptions to the prohibition on locking
interior doors. Hot tub rooms, private offices, storage rooms, and equipment rooms are
now exempt from this requirement.
5. Beds and Soft Mattresses
The revised ordinance permits soft mattresses in hot tub rooms, recognizing their role in
patron safety and comfort.
6. Alcohol Service
Massage establishments are not allowed to serve or sell alcohol. For businesses that are
also a hot tub/sauna establishment, the revised ordinance clarifies that the restriction
does not apply to the non-massage areas of the establishment. Alcohol service is still
subject to other laws, including California Alcohol Beverage Control as may be
applicable.
7. Sandal/Flip Flop Requirement
The Department updated the requirement in the proposed ordinance to state that
sandals or flip flops must be provided to patrons if they are offered use of shower
facilities. This replaces the previous language, which prohibited patrons from using
shower facilities unless wearing slip-resistant sandals or flip flops.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The work to create this proposal has been done by City staff with no-cost support by the
previously mentioned organizations. The adoption of the proposed ordinance would not
significantly impact existing workload of staff. Department revenue and expenses are not
expected to change. Updated fees related to permitting will be updated in the FY 2027 budget
cycle if they are required.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
As massage establishments and massage therapist applicants have contacted the Police
Department’s code enforcement over the last year, staff has notified them that the City is
exploring significant updates regarding regulation and permitting processes for massage
establishments. As this process moves along, staff will engage individually with established
businesses to inform them of the proposed changes.
The Department held an in-person information session on November 18, 2025, at the
Downtown Library with establishment representatives. From that meeting and others, the
Department updated the proposed ordinance to reflect valuable feedback. A second meeting
was held with the establishments on December 11, 2025, to review those changes. What is
presented with this report reflects those updates since Policy and Services reviewed the
originally proposed ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty
that the activity will not have a significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Ordinance Amending PAMC Chapters 4.54 and 4.56
Attachment B: Resolution Amending and Restating the Administrative Penalty Schedule to
Amend Penalties for PAMC Chapters 4.54 and 4.56.
APPROVED BY:
Andrew Binder, Police Chief
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Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 4.54
(“Massage Establishments”) and Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments)
of Title 4 (Business Licenses and Regulations)
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. Massage establishments are primarily regulated in the Palo Alto Municipal Code at PAMC
Chapter 4.54. The last major update to this chapter was in 2012. Chapter 4.54 is currently
enforced primarily by the Palo Alto Police Department.
B. Massage is also regulated in state law under the Massage Therapy Act, codified in the
Business and Professions Code section 4600 et seq. The State Legislature enacted the Act
in 2008. The Act was substantially amended in 2014 under AB 1147, and has been
amended again in 2025 under AB 1504.
C. Through this ordinance, the City desires to amend Chapter 4.54 in order to respond to the
changes to the Act and codify existing practices. Foremost, this ordinance will result in
the City no longer licensing individual massage technicians; instead, technicians must be
certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (“CAMTC”). The CAMTC is the state-
recognized body in charge of such certification and enacts statewide standards for
training and certification. The CAMTC also approves massage schools in an effort to
uphold training standards and prevent bad actors from opening degree mills. This update
also ensures that local regulations stay current with industry standards and public health
requirements, enhancing safety and professionalism. These updates also help address
new trends, prevent illicit activities, and clarify licensing procedures for businesses.
D. This ordinance also amends Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments) to remove
existing permitting requirements. These establishments are already regulated by the
County’s Department of Environmental Health.
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SECTION 2. Chapter 4.54 (Massage Establishments) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
4.54.010 Purpose and intent.
In enacting this chapter, the City Council recognizes that massage therapy is a professional
pursuit which can offer the public valuable health and therapeutic services, but that unless
properly regulated, the practice of massage therapy and the operation of massage businesses
may be associated with unlawful activity and pose a threat to the quality of life in the local
community. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of
offices and establishments providing massage therapy services, and to prevent and discourage
the misuse of massage therapy as a front for human trafficking, prostitution, and related activities
in violation of state law, all in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, by providing
certain minimum building, sanitation, and operation standards for such businesses, and by
requiring certain minimum qualifications for the operators and practitioners of such businesses.
It is the further intent of this chapter to streamline local massage therapy permitting procedures,
while still facilitating and advancing the ethical practice of massage therapy, by relying upon the
uniform statewide regulations enacted by the Legislature in 2008 as Business and Professions
Code Sections 4600 et seq., known as the Massage Therapy Act, as subsequently amended, and
by restricting the commercial practice of massage in the city to those persons duly certified to
practice by the California Massage Therapy Council formed pursuant to those statutes.
4.54.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the
words, terms, and phrases set forth in this section shall have the meanings that are given them
in this section:
"Authorized massage professional" means a massage professional who is identified in a permit
issued pursuant to this chapter as a person employed or retained by a massage establishment
to practice massage.
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"California massage therapy council" or "CAMTC" means the massage therapy organization
formed pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.
"CAMTC-certified massage professional" means any individual currently certified by the
California Massage Therapy Council as a massage therapist or massage practitioner pursuant
to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.
"Compensation" means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit, exchange,
or gift of money or anything of value.
"Department" means the Chief of the Palo Alto Police Department or designee charged with
the administration of this chapter.
"Inspector" means the person or persons designated by the city to conduct any inspections
required or permitted under this chapter.
"Massage," "massage therapy," and/or "bodywork" for purposes of this chapter mean the
skillful application of touch, including but not limited to, pressure, stroking, kneading,
compression on or movement of the external surfaces of the body by a practitioner to produce
increased awareness, relaxation, pain relief, injury rehabilitation, or neuromuscular
reeducation.
"Massage establishment" means any business that offers massage therapy, baths or health
treatments including, but not limited to, aromatherapy, vapor, shower, electric tub, sponge, hot
towels, mineral fermentation, sauna, steam or any other type of bath, involving massages or
baths in exchange for compensation. Home-based massage businesses and businesses that
provide mobile massage services are also considered to be massage establishments. For
purposes of this chapter, the term "massage establishment" may be applied to include
establishments which offer or advertise themselves as providing "relaxation" or "tanning"
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where the essential nature of the interaction between the employee and the customer involves
"massage" as defined herein. The terms, names or phrases listed on business license or
fictitious name application forms are not necessarily conclusive as to the nature of the business.
"Owner" or "massage establishment owner" means any of the following persons:
(1) The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship operating a massage establishment.
(2) Any general partner of a general or limited partnership that owns a massage
establishment.
(3) Any person who has a ten percent or greater ownership interest in a corporation that
owns a massage establishment.
(4) Any person who is a member of a limited liability company that owns a massage
establishment.
(5) All owners of any other type of business association that owns a massage establishment.
"Operator" or "massage establishment operator" means any person who is an owner or
manager of a massage establishment.
"Mobile massage service" means the engaging in or carrying on of massage therapy for
compensation at locations other than a massage establishment at a fixed location.
"Patron" means an individual on the premises of a massage establishment for the purpose of
receiving massage therapy.
"Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, joint venture,
limited liability company, or combination of individuals.
"Reception and waiting area" means an area immediately inside the main entry door of the
massage establishment dedicated to the reception and waiting of patrons or visitors of the
massage establishment and which is not a massage therapy room or otherwise used for the
provision of massage therapy services.
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“School of massage” means any school or institution of learning that is recognized as an
approved school pursuant to Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 10.5 (known as
the Massage Therapy Act), as may be amended.
"Sole proprietorship" means a massage establishment where the owner owns one hundred
percent of the business and has one or no other employees or independent contractors.
"Visitor" means any individual not retained or employed by the massage establishment and not
receiving or waiting to receive massage therapy services, but excluding law enforcement
personnel or governmental officials performing governmental business.
4.54.030 Business registration required.
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any business registration and business tax
requirements imposed pursuant to PAMC Chapters 4.60 and 2.37, respectively of this code.
4.54.040 Other permits and authorizations required.
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any permits or authorizations that may be
required under other applicable laws including but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning,
and health regulations.
4.54.050 Exemptions.
This chapter shall not apply to the following classes of individuals while engaged in the
performance of the duties of their respective professions:
(a) Physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses,
acupuncturists or any other person licensed to practice any healing art under the
provisions of Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions
Code when engaging in such practice within the scope of his or her license. This
subsection (a) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall
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not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent
contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.
(b) Trainers of any amateur, semi-professional, or professional athlete or athletic team, so
long as such persons do not practice massage therapy as their primary occupation at
any location where they provide such services in the city.
(c) Barbers, estheticians, and cosmetologists who are duly licensed under the laws of the
State of California, while engaging in practices within the scope of their licenses. This
subsection (c) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall
not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent
contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.
(d) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons
participating in single occurrence athletic, recreational, or educational events such as
road races, track meets, triathlons, educational events, or conferences, provided that
the event is open to the public or to a significant segment of the public such as
employees of sponsoring or participating corporations, and the massage services are
provided at the site of the event during, immediately preceding, or immediately
following the event.
(e) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons
at a state-licensed “general acute care hospital” or other “health facilities” as defined by
California Health and Safety Code section 1250 when employed or contracted at the
direction of the hospital or health facility.
(f) Somatic practitioners who use no physical touch of any kind at any time in their
practice.
(g) Enrolled students of a school of massage when they are performing massage within the
city as part of a formal supervised internship or training program operated by the
school, without compensation other than school credit, on the premises of a massage
establishment duly authorized to operate pursuant to the terms of this chapter; and
provided that the operator of the massage establishment has first notified the
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Department in writing of the name, residence address, and school of the students and
the dates of the trainings.
4.54.060 CAMTC certification required.
It is unlawful for any individual to practice massage therapy for compensation within the city
unless that individual is a CAMTC-certified massage professional.
4.54.070 Reserved.
4.54.080 Massage establishment permit required—Prohibited conduct.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment within the city without
first obtaining a massage establishment permit from the Department.
(b) It is unlawful for a massage establishment operator to employ or retain any person to
practice massage therapy for compensation, or to allow any person to perform massage
therapy for compensation on the premises of a massage establishment, unless that
person is a CAMTC-certified massage professional and unless that person is identified as
an authorized massage professional on the permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For
purposes of this chapter, a massage establishment operator "employs or retains" a
person to practice massage therapy for compensation when:
(1) That person is a directly paid employee of the massage establishment; or
(2) That person's association with a massage establishment is that of an
independent contractor who receives compensation for massage therapy provided to
patrons of the massage establishment; or
(3) That person receives a referral of patrons from the massage establishment and,
at any time before or after the referral, arranges in any way for compensation to flow to
the massage establishment operator.
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(c) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to operate under any name or conduct
business under any designation not specified in the massage establishment permit
issued pursuant to this chapter.
(d) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to continue to operate following the sale or
transfer of any interest in the massage establishment to a person who was not
identified as an owner in the massage establishment permit application.
4.54.090 Permit application.
The owners of the massage establishment shall file an application for a permit on a form provided
by the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the city's fee
schedule. The application shall include the following information:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the massage establishment.
(b) The name, residence address and telephone number, and business address and
telephone number of each owner of the massage establishment.
(c) The form of business under which the applicant will be conducting the massage
`establishment, i.e., corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability
company, or other form. If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation
shall be set forth exactly as shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the
names and residence addresses of each of its officers, directors, and each shareholder
holding more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation. If the applicant is a
general or limited partnership, the application shall set forth the name and residence
address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the
partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate
applicant shall apply. If the applicant is a limited liability company, the application shall
set forth the name and residence address of each of the members. If one or more of the
members is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the provisions of
this section pertaining to a partnership, limited liability company, or corporate applicant
shall apply, as applicable.
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(d) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the real property upon, in,
or from which the certified massage establishment is to be operated. In the event the
applicant is not the legal owner of the property, the application shall be accompanied by
a copy of any written lease between the applicant and the property owner authorizing
use of the premises for a massage establishment, or, alternatively, if there is no written
lease, then a written, notarized acknowledgment from the property owner that the
property owner has been advised that a massage establishment will be operated by the
applicant upon, in, or from the property owner's property.
(e) If the massage establishment will be located on a property in a residential or
commercial condominium or other common interest development, the applicant shall
submit a notarized statement from the homeowner's association or condominium
owner's association acknowledging that the association has been advised that a
massage establishment will be operated by the applicant and that such use of the
property is allowed by the property's covenants, codes, and restrictions. This
requirement is in addition to any applicable zoning code requirements or regulations.
(f) A description of the proposed massage establishment, including the type of treatments
to be administered.
(g) The name of each individual who the massage establishment employs or retains to
perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage
establishment premises.
(h) The name of each individual who is regularly employed or retained by the massage
establishment to perform services on the premises other than massage therapy, and the
nature of their services.
(i) For each individual who the massage establishment does or will employ or retain to
perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage
establishment premises, a copy of that individual's current certification from the CAMTC
as a certified massage practitioner or certified massage therapist, and a copy of his or
her current CAMTC-issued identification card.
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(j) For each owner of the massage establishment who is a CAMTC-certified massage
professional, a copy of his or her current certification from the CAMTC as a certified
massage practitioner or as a certified massage therapist and a copy of his or her current
CAMTC-issued identification card.
(k) For each owner of the massage establishment who is not a CAMTC-certified massage
professional, the following information:
(1) Whether any owner of the massage establishment has within the five years
immediately preceding the date of application been convicted of any felony in
any state.
(2) Whether any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to
register under the provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(3) The business, occupation, and employment history of each owner of the
massage establishment for five years preceding the date of application, and the
inclusive dates of same.
(4) One set of fingerprints, and any required fee for such fingerprinting shall be paid
by the applicant.
(l) Whether any certificate, license or permit has ever been issued to the applicant by any
jurisdiction under the provisions of any ordinance or statute governing massage or
somatic practice, and as to any such certificate, license or permit, the name and address
of the issuing authority, the effective dates of such certificate, license or permit,
whether such certificate, license or permit was ever suspended, revoked, withdrawn, or
denied; and copies of any documentary materials relating to such suspension,
revocation, withdrawal, or denial.
(m) Such other information as may be required by the permit authority to determine
compliance with any other eligibility requirements for issuance of the permit as
specified by federal, state, or local law.
(n) A statement that within the last five years the applicant has not failed to comply with a
final court order or administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of
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applicable federal, state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum
wage ordinance or prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a
final court order or administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal
and the time for filing an appeal has passed.
4.54.100 Permit issuance.
(a) The Department shall issue a massage establishment permit if the applicant meets the
requirements of this chapter and no grounds for denial exist under Section 4.54.110.
The Department may impose conditions on the permit consistent with this chapter and
applicable law.
(b) Notice to Property Owner. If the applicant is not the record owner of the property where
the massage establishment is located, the Department may send a written notice to the
property owner advising of the issuance of the permit and of the regulations applicable
to the massage establishment. The Department may also provide the property owner
with copies of any other notices or communications with the applicant sent at any time
before or after issuance of the permit.
(c) Term. A massage establishment permit issued pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall
be valid for a term of one year from the date of issuance, and, unless suspended or
revoked, must be renewed by the massage establishment operator annually so long as
the massage establishment is operating within the city.
(d) Insurance. Insurance coverage is a condition of receiving a permit and proof of such
coverage is required. Unless specified otherwise by Department regulation, proof of
liability insurance, or the equivalent, for not less than one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000) per massage therapist licensed, or to be licensed, at the massage
establishment up to a maximum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) shall be required by
the time of permit issuance. This requirement can be satisfied by insurance provided in
the name of a massage therapist or the massage establishment. Coverage must be
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maintained for the entirety of the permit period. The Department may establish
regulations governing insurance requirements that do not conflict with this section.
4.54.110 Permit denial.
The Department may deny an application for a massage establishment permit on any of the
following grounds:
(a) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with the
requirements of this chapter.
(b) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with any
applicable law, including, but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning, and health
regulations or regulations under the CAMTC.
(c) The applicant has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of
material fact in the application for a massage establishment permit.
(d) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the
date of filing of the application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction
of any offense that relates directly to the operation of a massage establishment
whether as a massage establishment owner or operator or as a person practicing
massage for compensation, or as an employee of either; or has at any time been
convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any felony the commission of which
occurred on the premises of a massage establishment.
(e) Any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to register under the
provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(f) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application,
has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any violation of Sections 266,
266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b) of the California Penal
Code, or conspiracy or attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a
jurisdiction outside of the State of California that is the equivalent of any of the
aforesaid offenses.
(g) Any owner of the massage establishment has been subjected to a permanent injunction
against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to Sections 11225 through
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11235 of the California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in a jurisdiction
outside the State of California.
(h) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application,
and as established by clear and convincing evidence, has engaged in acts prohibited
under California Penal Code Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315,
316, 318, 647(b).
(i) Any owner of the massage establishment is an individual who has not attained the age
of eighteen years.
(j) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the
date of filing of the application, has had a certificate, permit or license to practice
massage for compensation or to own and/or operate a massage establishment revoked
or denied in any jurisdiction, including CAMTC.
(k) Any owner of the massage establishment currently owns or operates a massage
establishment in the city of Palo Alto that is not in good standing due to the existence of
uncorrected violations or unpaid fines or fees.
(l) Within the last five years, the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or
administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal,
state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or
prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or
administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for
filing an appeal has passed.
4.54.120 Notice of denial—Appeal.
(a) If an application for a massage establishment permit is denied, the Department shall
give written notice to the applicant specifying the grounds for denial.
(b) The applicant may appeal the decision to deny a massage establishment permit by filing
a written notice of appeal with the Department within fifteen days after deposit of the
decision in the mail, specifying in detail the grounds for such appeal.
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(c) The City Clerk shall set a time and place for the hearing on the appeal not less than
thirty days after the date the appeal was received by the Department, and shall give
written notice by mail to the applicant of the date, time, and place for the hearing. The
hearing may be conducted virtually or by phone at the discretion of the City. The
hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.180.
(d) After the hearing on the appeal, the City’s hearing officer may refer the matter back to
the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of the
Department, or may direct the Department to issue the license. The decision of the
hearing officer or designee upon such appeal shall be final and shall be subject to
judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of Civil
Procedure Section 1094.6.
4.54.130 Amendments to permit required upon change of information.
(a) Within 14 days of a change of the information provided in the application for a certified
massage establishment on file with the City, the operator shall file an application to
amend the permit to reflect such change. An application to amend a massage
establishment permit shall be made by submitting an application on a form provided by
the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the
city's fee schedule.
(b) The application shall not be approved unless the Department determines that the terms
of the amended permit comply with all requirements of this chapter and all other local,
state, and federal laws, and the massage establishment has no outstanding violations or
unpaid citations or fees. Inspection of the massage establishment may be required prior
to approval of the amendment.
(c) An amendment shall not be used to change the location or owners of a massage
establishment. Instead, a new permit application is required.
(d) A denial of an application to amend a massage establishment permit may be appealed
in the same manner as a denial of an application for a permit under Section 4.54.120.
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4.54.140 Requirements for all massage establishment facilities and operations.
(a) Operational Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the
following operational requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments
located within the city:
(1) No massage establishment shall be kept open for business between the hours of
ten p.m. of one day and eight a.m. of the following day. A massage begun any
time before ten p.m. must nevertheless terminate at ten p.m. This restriction
does not apply to the use of hot tubs at a massage establishment that also has
hot tubs in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56, but must follow any other
applicable law or condition of permit as to hours of operation.
(A) After ten years of continuous operation, a massage establishment may be
exempted from the hours restrictions of this section by the Department upon a
written request which details the factual reasons supporting good cause for the
exemption. The Department, in determining what constitutes good cause for this
exemption from the hours restrictions, shall consider and weight the following
factors: (i) ongoing compliance with this Chapter including updated review of
permit requirements; (ii) the impact which the massage establishment has had
on the health, safety, and welfare of the local community, including, but not
limited to, parking and traffic congestion; and (iii) the massage establishment's
compliance or noncompliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including,
but not limited to, this municipal code. If, upon review of those factors, the
Department determines that good cause does exist for the requested
exemption, the Department may then exempt the massage establishment from
the hours restrictions of this section. However, in no event shall any massage
end later than midnight or begin earlier than six a.m. If the Department denies
an application for an exemption under this subsection (A), the massage
establishment may appeal under the process in PAMC section 4.54.120. The
Department may revoke an exemption issued under this subsection (A) for the
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reasons stated in PAMC section 4.54.170 and such revocation is subject to
hearing under PAMC section 4.54.180.
(2) The hours of operation of the massage establishment shall be displayed in a
conspicuous public place in the reception and waiting area and in any front
window clearly visible from outside of the massage establishment.
(3) Patrons and visitors shall be permitted in the massage establishment only during
the hours of operation.
(4) During the hours of operation, patrons shall be permitted in massage therapy
rooms only if at least one duly authorized certified massage professional is
present on the premises of the massage establishment. Patrons shall not be
permitted in any employee break room on the premises.
(5) During the hours of operation, visitors shall not be permitted in massage therapy
rooms except as follows:
(A) The parents or guardian of a patron who is a minor child may be present
in the massage therapy room with that minor child;
(B) The minor child of a patron may be present in the massage therapy room
with the patron when necessary for the supervision of the child; or
(C) The conservator, aid, or other caretaker of a patron who is elderly or
disabled may be present in the massage therapy room with that elderly
or disabled person.
(6) During the hours of operation, except as otherwise provided herein, no visitors
shall be permitted in massage therapy rooms, break rooms, dressing rooms,
showers, or any other room or part of the massage establishment premises
other than the reception and waiting area or toilet rooms.
(7) Except for a patron who is inside a massage therapy room for the purpose of
receiving a massage, no patrons or visitors shall be permitted in or on the
massage establishment premises at any time who are less than fully clothed in
outer garments of nontransparent material, or who display or expose
themselves in underclothing or similar intimate apparel.
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(8) A list of massage services available and the cost of such services shall be posted
in an open and conspicuous public place on the premises. The massage services
shall be described in English and may also be described in such other languages
as may be convenient. No massage establishment operator shall permit, and no
person employed or retained by the massage establishment shall offer to
perform any massage services or request or demand fees other than those
posted.
(9) The massage establishment shall keep on the premises a complete and current
roster of all owners, operators, and managing employees of the massage
establishment and all massage professionals and other persons employed or
retained by the massage establishment. The roster shall include the name,
residence address, and phone number of each individual. The roster shall be
available for inspection by city officials charged with the enforcement of this
chapter.
(b) Physical Facility and Building and Fire Code Requirements. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this chapter, the following physical facility and building code
requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments located within the city:
(1) Main entry door and reception and waiting area required. One or more main
entry door shall be provided for patron entry to the massage establishment,
which shall open to an interior patron reception and waiting area immediately.
All patrons and any persons other than individuals employed or retained by the
massage establishment shall be required to enter and exit through the main
entry door(s). Unless the massage establishment is a sole proprietorship or a
home occupation with one or no other employees, the main entry door shall be
unlocked at all times during business hours.
(2) No massage establishment located in a building or structure with exterior
windows fronting a public street, highway, walkway, or parking area shall block
visibility into the interior reception and waiting area through the use of curtains,
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closed blinds, tints, or any other material that obstructs, blurs, or unreasonably
darkens the view into the premises.
(3) All interior doors, including massage therapy rooms or cubicles (but excluding
individual dressing rooms, showers, and toilet rooms, storage/equipment rooms,
offices for staff only, and rooms for hot tubs at massage establishments that are
also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56) shall
be incapable of being locked and shall not be blocked to prevent opening. Draw
drapes, curtain enclosures, or accordion-pleated closures in lieu of doors are
acceptable on all inner massage therapy rooms or cubicles.
(4) Minimum lighting equivalent to at least one forty-watt light shall be provided in
each massage therapy room or cubicle.
(5) A massage table or professional massage chair specifically designed for seated
massage shall be used for all massage therapy, with the exception of "Thai,"
"Shiatsu," and similar forms of massage therapy, which may be provided on a
padded mat on the floor, provided the patron is fully attired in loose clothing,
pajamas, scrubs, or similar style of garment. Massage tables shall have a
minimum height of eighteen inches.
(6) Beds, floor mattresses, and waterbeds are not permitted on the premises of the
massage establishment, and no massage establishment shall be used for
residential or sleeping purposes, which may be shown by circumstantial
evidence such as the presence of bedding, pillows, sleeping bags, suitcases,
clothing, toiletries or other personal belongings, cooking appliances, utensils or
food in excess of a business establishment's normal requirements. A massage
establishment that is also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with
PAMC Chapter 4.56 may have beds or floor mattresses only in rooms used for
hot tubs and shall not be used for massage or residential purposes.
(7) All locker facilities that are provided for the use of patrons shall be fully secured
for the protection of the patrons' valuables, and each patron shall be given
control of the key or other means of access.
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(8) The massage establishment shall comply with all applicable state and local
building and fire codes as adopted in Title 16 of this code.
(9) Any signage referring to the massage establishment located on or adjacent to
the building housing the massage establishment must match the business name
that is listed on the massage establishment permit. A massage establishment
shall not have signage that refers to another business name.
(c) Health and Safety Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
chapter, the following health and safety requirements shall be applicable to all massage
establishments located within the city:
(1) The massage establishment shall at all times be equipped with an adequate
supply of clean sanitary towels, coverings, and linens. Massage table or chair
shall be covered with a fresh, clean sheet or other clean covering appropriate to
the equipment for each patron, just before the client arrives. After a towel,
covering, or linen has been used once, it shall be deposited in a closed receptacle
and not used again until properly laundered and sanitized. Towels, coverings,
and linens shall be laundered either by regular commercial laundering, or by a
noncommercial laundering process that includes immersion in water at least one
hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit for not less than fifteen minutes during the
washing or rinsing operation. Clean towels, coverings, and linens shall be stored
in closed, clean cabinets when not in use. A certified massage professional
engaged in the practice of mobile massage shall carry a sufficient quantity of
clean and sanitary towels, sheets, and linens to comply with the requirements.
(2) All massage therapy rooms or cubicles, wet and dry heat rooms, toilet rooms,
shower compartments, hot tubs, and pools shall be thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected as needed, and at least once each business day when the premises
has been or will be open and such facilities in use. All bathtubs shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.
(3) All liquids, creams, or other preparations used on or made available to patrons
shall be kept in clean and closed containers. Powders may be kept in clean
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shakers. All bottles and containers shall be distinctly and correctly labeled to
disclose their contents. When only a portion of a liquid, cream, or other
preparation is to be used on or made available to a patron, it shall be removed
from the container in such a way as not to contaminate the remaining portion.
(4) No invasive procedures shall be performed on any patron. Invasive procedures
include, but are not limited to:
(A) Application of electricity that contracts the muscle;
(B) Penetration of the skin by metal needles;
(C) Abrasion of the skin below the nonliving, epidermal layers;
(D) Removal of skin by means of any razor-edged instrument or other device
or tool;
(E) Use of any needle-like instrument for the purpose of extracting skin
blemishes; and
(F) Other similar procedures.
(5) All bathrobes, bathing suits, and/or other garments that are provided for the use
of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by more than one patron,
or shall be laundered after each use pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(6) All combs, brushes, and/or other personal items of grooming or hygiene that are
provided for the use of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by
more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected after each use.
(7) All massage establishments must provide patrons with slip-resistant sandals or
flip-flops to wear while in the shower compartment. All footwear such as sandals
or flip-flops that are provided for the use of patrons either shall be fully
disposable and not used by more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected
after each use.
(8) Patrons' genitals and female patrons' breasts must be fully draped at all times
while any individual employed or retained by the massage establishment is in
the massage room or cubicle with the patron. No massage shall be provided to a
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patron that results in intentional contact, or occasional and repetitive contact,
with the genitals or anal region of a patron.
(9) No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, or furnished to any patron; nor shall
any alcoholic beverages be kept or possessed on the premises of a massage
establishment. A massage establishment that is also a hot tub/sauna
establishment in compliance with PAMC Ch. 4.56 is not subject to this limitation
for non-massage areas of the establishment, but must adhere to all other
applicable laws, including any applicable zoning code provisions and California
Department of Alcohol Beverage Control requirements.
(d) Attire and Physical Hygiene Requirements. The following attire and physical hygiene
requirements shall be applicable to all employees and any other persons who work
permanently or temporarily on the premises of a massage establishment within the city,
including, but not limited to, all persons who are employed or retained to practice massage for
the massage establishment:
(1) No person shall dress in:
(A) Attire that is transparent, see-through, or substantially exposes the
person's undergarments;
(B) Swim attire, unless providing a water-based massage modality approved
by the CAMTC;
(C) A manner that exposes the person's chest, breasts, buttocks, or genitals;
(2) No massage establishment operator, employee, or visitor shall, while on the
premises of a massage establishment or while performing any mobile massage
service, and while in the presence of any patron, customer, employee or visitor,
expose his or her chest, breast, buttocks, or genitals.
(3) All persons shall thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water or any equally
effective cleansing agent immediately before providing massage to a patron. No
massage shall be provided upon a surface of the skin or scalp of a patron where
such skin is inflamed, broken (e.g., abraded or cut), or where a skin infection or
eruption is present.
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(e) Display of Permit and Certifications.
(1) The massage establishment permit shall be displayed in an open and
conspicuous place on the premises visible from the main entry door and/or
reception and waiting area of the massage establishment.
(2) Each person employed or retained by a massage establishment to perform
massage in or on the premises or through a mobile massage service shall display
on his or her person the valid current photograph-bearing identification card
issued to that employee by the CAMTC. A copy of each such identification card
and the person's original CAMTC certificate shall also be displayed in an open
and conspicuous place visible from the main entry door and/or reception and
waiting area of the massage establishment. The home address of any employee
need not be displayed. If a massage establishment has more than 25 massage
therapists and can demonstrate to the Department it is not reasonably practical
to display a copy of each identification card and original CAMTC certificate as
required above, then the massage establishment may request from the
Department an alternative method of displaying copies of identification cards
and CAMTC certificates. Such alternatives may only be approved in writing and
shall comply with any applicable state law requirements.
(f) Display of Human Trafficking Notices. The massage establishment shall comply with the
requirements in California Civil Code Section 52.6 related to the posting of information for
victims of human trafficking.
(g) Home Occupation and Mobile-Only Businesses—Exemptions.
(1) Where a certified massage establishment is a home occupation, and the
operator has complied with the provisions of Section 18.42.010 of this code
pertaining to home occupations, the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (b)(1)—(3),
and (b)(6) of this section shall not apply, and the portions of the residence
subject to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall be only
those portions that are used at any time by the patron of the massage
establishment.
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(2) For massage establishments that provide mobile-only services and have no fixed
location for performing massage, provisions of this section related to businesses
with fixed locations shall not apply. Specifically, the provisions of subsections
(a)(2)—(9), (b)(1)—(4), (b)(6)—(8), (c)(2) and (7), (e)(1), and (f) of this section
shall not apply to mobile-only establishments.
4.54.150 Massage establishment inspections.
(a) As a condition of the massage establishment permit, investigating officials of the
Department shall have the right to enter any massage establishment, other than an
establishment providing mobile only services, during regular business hours, to make
reasonable inspection to ascertain whether there is compliance with the provisions of
this chapter. For home occupations, reasonable inspection shall be limited to the
portions of the residence open to patrons.
(b) The massage establishment operator shall take immediate action to correct each
violation noted by the inspector. A reinspection will be performed to ensure that each
violation noted by the inspector has been corrected.
4.54.160 Reserved.
4.54.170 Revocation or suspension.
All massage establishment operators shall be deemed to know and understand the requirements
and prohibitions of this chapter. Any massage establishment permit issued pursuant to this
chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Department after a hearing, where the Department
finds that any of the following have occurred on even a single occasion:
(a) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
violated any provision of this chapter.
(b) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of having violated, or has engaged in
conduct constituting a violation of, any of the following: California Penal Code Sections
266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b), or conspiracy or
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attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a jurisdiction outside of the State
of California that is the equivalent of any of the aforesaid offenses.
(c) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment is
required to register under Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(d) The permittee has been subject to a permanent injunction against the conducting or
maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to this code, or Sections 11225 through 11235 of the
California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in any jurisdiction outside the
State of California.
(e) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
engaged in fraud or misrepresentation or has knowingly made a misstatement of
material fact while working in or for the massage establishment as it pertains to the
massage establishment.
(f) The permittee has continued to operate the massage establishment after the massage
establishment permit has been suspended.
(g) Massage has been performed on the premises of the massage establishment, with or
without the permittee's actual knowledge, by any person who is not a duly authorized
CAMTC-certified massage professional.
(h) A person who is not a duly authorized CAMTC-certified massage professional has
provided mobile massage services through or on behalf of the massage establishment.
(i) There have been one or more acts prohibited under California Penal Code Sections 266,
266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, or 647(b), taking place on the
premises of the massage establishment, whether or not any criminal prosecution has
been pursued or conviction obtained for such acts, and whether or not they occurred
with or without the actual knowledge of the permittee.
(j) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment or any
other person on the premises of the massage establishment has engaged in conduct or
committed acts that a reasonable person in the patron's position would understand as
an offer to perform on or engage in with the patron acts that are sexual in nature or that
involve touching of the patron's genitals, or anal region.
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(k) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
engaged in sexually suggestive advertising related to massage services available at the
massage establishment, including, but not limited to displaying photographs of
individuals clothed in swim attire, or attire that is transparent, see-through or
substantially exposes the individual's undergarments, breasts, buttocks, or genitals,
describing massage services as "erotic," "sensual" or similarly sexual in nature, listing
advertisements in any media (including online) intended for adults only, or describing
the appearance or age of massage providers.
(l) If the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or administrative action of
an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal, state and local wage
and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the
California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or prevailing wage
requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or administrative
action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for filing an appeal has
passed. In addition, any disciplinary action taken by CAMTC shall be considered in
determining grounds for revocation, suspension or nonrenewal.
4.54.180 Hearing for revocation or suspension.
(a) The Department shall give written notice of a hearing for the revocation or suspension
of any permit granted pursuant to this chapter to the permittee. The notice shall set
forth the time and place of the hearing, the ground or grounds upon which the hearing
is based, the pertinent code sections, and a brief statement of the factual issues in
support thereof. The notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to the
permittee at the last known address of the permittee, or it shall be delivered to the
permittee personally, at least ten days prior to the hearing date.
(b) Within ten days of the hearing the Department shall render its decision in writing,
stating its findings and the action taken, if any. The decision letter shall be mailed,
postage prepaid, addressed to the permittee at the last known address of the
permittee, or it shall be delivered to the permittee personally.
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(c) Within ten days from the deposit of the decision letter in the mail or its receipt by the
permittee, whichever occurs first, the permittee may appeal the decision in writing to
the city manager or designee, setting forth with particularity the ground or grounds for
the appeal.
(d) The hearing officer shall give written notice of the hearing on the appeal not less than
ten days from the date the appeal was received by the city. The hearing shall be
conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.190.
(e) After the hearing on the appeal, the hearing officer or designee may refer the matter
back to the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of
the Department, may dismiss the disciplinary action, or may revoke or suspend the
permit. The decision of the hearing officer upon such appeal shall be final and shall be
subject to judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of
Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
(f) The notices provided to the massage establishment pursuant to this section may also be
sent to the owner of the premises where the massage establishment is located.
However, failure to provide notice to the property owner shall not invalidate any actions
taken by the city.
4.54.190 Hearing rules.
The following rules shall apply to any hearing required by this chapter. All parties involved shall
have the right to offer testimonial, documentary, and tangible evidence bearing on the issues, to
be represented by counsel, and to confront and cross-examine witnesses. Any relevant evidence
may be admitted if it is the sort of evidence upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to
rely in the conduct of serious affairs. Any hearing under this chapter may be continued for a
reasonable time for the convenience of a party or witness.
4.54.200 Violations a public nuisance—Penalties, nuisance abatement, and other remedies.
Any massage establishment operated, conducted, or maintained contrary to the provisions of
this chapter shall be, and the same is hereby declared to be, unlawful and a public nuisance, and
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the city attorney may, in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action hereunder,
commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings, for the abatement, removal and
enjoinment thereof, in the manner provided by law. Such remedies shall be in addition to any
other judicial and administrative penalties and remedies available to the city under this code or
under state law.
(a) For the purpose of enforcing the requirements of this chapter, all owners and operators
of the massage establishment shall be jointly and severally responsible for the conduct
of all massage establishment employees, agents, independent contractors, or other
representatives while such persons are on the premises of the massage establishment
or providing mobile massage services on behalf of the massage establishment.
(b) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage
establishment permit may be suspended or revoked as provided in
Sections 4.54.170 and 4.54.180. Upon issuance of a final order by the Department or
Hearing Officer to revoke the massage permit, the massage establishment shall
immediately cease operation, and, if so ordered by the hearing officer, no other
massage establishment shall be permitted to operate at that location by any person for
a period of not less than five years ("the moratorium period"). If the operator is not also
the legal owner of the real property on which the massage establishment is situated,
notice of such revocation and the five-year prohibition shall be provided by the permit
authority to the owner of record of the property as shown on the latest county
assessment roll.
(c) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage
establishment permit may not be renewed or amended unless and until all due and
unpaid citations issued pursuant to this chapter are paid in full, and all outstanding
violations have been corrected.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, where a Notice of Revocation or
Suspension has been issued to the operator of a massage establishment pursuant to
Section 4.54.180 of this chapter, the Department shall not process or grant an
application for a massage establishment permit for a new massage establishment at the
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same premises unless and until such Notice of Revocation or Suspension is dismissed; or
a final determination is made pursuant to that section that the current operator's
massage establishment permit is not or should not be revoked; or any moratorium
period imposed pursuant to this chapter has expired.
4.54.200 Administrative Citations and Penalties
(a) Violations. Upon a finding by the City that a business has violated any provision of this
chapter, the City may issue an administrative citation and/or compliance order resulting
in administrative fines pursuant to PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16.
(b) Separate Violations. Each violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a
separate violation. Each client to whom massage is provided or offered in violation of this
chapter shall also constitute a separate violation. Each day upon which a massage
business remains open for business in violation of this chapter shall also constitute a
separate violation.
(c) Outstanding Fines. All outstanding penalties resulting from administrative citations
and/or compliance orders must be paid prior to the issuance or renewal of any
registration.
(d) Appeals. Appeals of administrative citations and compliance orders may be made
pursuant to the appeal procedures in PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16, respectively.
SECTION 3. Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
4.56.010 Purpose and intent.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of hot
tub/sauna establishments and hot tub/sauna establishment employees, as defined in this
chapter in the interests of the public health, safety and welfare by providing certain minimum
building, sanitation and health standards for hot tub/sauna establishments and by providing
certain minimum standards and regulations regarding the conduct and activities of the owners
and employees of hot tub/sauna establishments.Reserved.
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4.56.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the
words, terms, and phrases set forth in this section shall have the meanings given them in this
section:
(a) "Hot tub/sauna establishment" means any establishment having a fixed place of business
where any person, as defined in this section, for compensation, engages in, conducts, carries on
or permits to be engaged in, conducted or carried on any of the following as the principal
functions; provided, that any establishment wherein any employee provides any services
defined as massage or adult entertainment by Sections 4.54.020 or 4.55.020 shall be licensed
pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 4.54 or 4.55, respectively.
(1) Where Russian, Turkish, Finnish, Swedish, hot air, vapor, electric cabinet, steam, mineral,
sweat, salt, Japanese, sauna, fomentation, alcohol or baths of any kind whatsoever are
furnished or made available; and/or
(2) Where the public has access, on a rental basis, to private rooms or suites located within
the establishment, in which are located or provided hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, showers, similar
and/or related facilities, or any combination thereof.
The term "hot tub/sauna establishment" does not include licensed hospitals, nursing homes,
sanitaria, or individuals holding a valid certificate to practice the healing arts under the laws of
the state of California, or individuals working under the direction of any such certificated
persons. The term "hot tub/sauna establishment" does not include any type of a privately
owned and operated health spa, gymnasium or exercise facility where the primary purpose of
the establishment is the offering of exercise or physical fitness equipment and facilities to
prospective patrons; even though such establishment may have, on its premises, facilities for
hot baths, and/or hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas and related facilities for the incidental use of
patrons.
(b) "Hot tub/sauna establishment employee" means every owner, partner, manager,
supervisor, employee or any other person, whether paid or not, who renders personal services
of any type in the operation of a hot tub/sauna establishment.
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(c) "License" means the license to operate a hot/tub sauna establishment as required by this
chapter.
(d) "Permit" means the permit to engage in the activities of a hot tub/sauna establishment
employee as required by this chapter.
(e) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association. joint venture, corporation.
or combination of individuals.
Whenever, in this chapter, the singular form of any of the terms defined in this section is
used, the same includes the plural form of such term.
4.56.030 Hot tub/sauna establishment County license required.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, in or upon any premises within
the city the operation of a hot tub//sauna establishment without the any applicable valid
license(s) or permit(s) required by and obtained from the chief of police as required by this
chapter. A. hot tub/sauna establishment license the County of Santa Clara. shall be issued to
any person who has complied with the requirements of Sections 4.56.050 and 4.56.110, and all
applicable provisions of the code; unless grounds for denial of such license are found to exist. In
addition to those set forth in Section 4.04.140, grounds for denial shall include:
(a) The applicant made a material misstatement in the application for a license;
(b) The applicant has, within five years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the
application, been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving conduct
which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or any violations of
Sections 311 through 311.7, 313.1, 314, 315, 316, 318, or 647(a), 647(b), 647(d), or 647(h) of
the California Penal Code, or of any offense involving theft of property or violence;
(c) That the operation of a hot tub/sauna establishment, as proposed by the applicant, if
permitted, would not comply with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, all city
ordinances and regulations;
(d) That the operation of the proposed hot tub/sauna establishment is likely to be injurious
to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the city;
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(e) That the applicant is lacking in the background and qualifications to conduct a bona fide
hot tub/sauna establishment; or
(f) That the applicant has violated any provision of this chapter, or of any similar ordinance,
law, rule or regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of hot tub/sauna
or related establishments.
4.56.040 Hot tub/sauna establishment license application fee.
Any application for a license to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall be accompanied
by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. The application fee shall be
used to defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report, and is not made in lieu of any
other fees or taxes required under this code. A license to operate a hot tub/sauna
establishment shall be renewed annually. The renewal fee shall be as set forth in the municipal
fee schedule.
Reserved.
4.56.050 Application for hot tub/sauna establishment license.
Any application for a license to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall be made with the
chief of police. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application, the
chief of police shall either issue the permit or mail a written statement of his reasons for denial
thereof. The application shall set forth the exact nature of the hot tub/sauna operations or
activities to be conducted, the proposed place of business and facilities therefor, and the name
and address of each applicant. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 4.04 and this section,
any applicant shall furnish the following information:
(a) The previous address of applicant, if any, for a period of three years immediately prior to
the date of the application and the dates of residence at each;
(b) Written proof that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age;
(c) Applicant's height, weight, color of eyes and hair;
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(d) The applicant shall allow the police department official processing the application to take
photographs and fingerprints of the applicant;
(e) Business, occupation or employment history of the applicant for the three years
immediately preceding the date of the application;
(f) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation shall be set forth exactly as
shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the names and residence addresses of each
of its officers, directors, and each stockholder holding more than five percent of the stock of
the corporation. If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall set forth the name and
residence address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the
partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate applicant shall
apply;
(g) The names and residence addresses of all persons currently employed or intended to be
employed in the hot tub/sauna establishment, regardless of the nature of the employment,
other than any person licensed pursuant to Section 4.56.060, along with the proposed or actual
nature of the work performed or to be performed, and recent passport-size photographs,
suitable to the police department official processing the application, of each such employee. All
such employees shall be requested to obtain the permit specified in Section 4.56.060. Any
applicant or licensee shall notify the city in writing of the names, addresses, and nature of the
work, of any new or proposed employees, and supply the photographs described in this
subsection upon determining to employ such person. No such person shall commence such
employment until a permit has been obtained as specified in Section 4.56.060. "Employee"
means "hot tub/sauna establishment employee" as defined herein. It shall be unlawful for any
licensee to employ any hot tub/sauna establishment employee who does not possess a valid
permit provided for in Section 4.56.020. Any licensee shall notify the chief of police in writing of
the termination of employment of any employee, whether terminated by the licensee or
employee, within five days of such termination;
(h) Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the chief of police.
Reserved.
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4.56.060 Hot tub/sauna establishment employee permit required.
It is unlawful for any person to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee unless such
person holds a valid permit issued by the chief of police. A hot tub/sauna establishment
employee permit shall be issued to any person who has fulfilled the requirements of Section
4.56.080, and all other applicable provisions of this code; unless grounds for denial of such
permit are found to exist. In addition to those set forth in Section 4.04.140, grounds for denial
shall include:
(a) The applicant made a material misstatement in the application for the permit;
(b) The applicant, within five years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the
application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any offense involving
conduct which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or any violation of
Sections 311 through 311.7, 313.1, 314, 315, 316, 318 or 647(a), 647(b), 647(d), or 647(h) of the
California Penal Code or of any offense involving theft of property;
(c) The issuance of the permit is likely to be injurious to the health, safety, welfare, and
interest of the people of the city;
(d) The applicant has previously violated any provision of this chapter, or of any similar
ordinance, law, rule or regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of hot
tub/sauna establishments or hot tub/sauna establishment employees;
(e) The applicant is under eighteen years of age.
Reserved.
4.56.070 Hot tub/sauna establishment employee application fee.
Any application for a permit to act as hot tub/sauna establishment employee shall be
accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. A hot
tub/sauna establishment employee permit shall be renewed annually. The renewal fee shall be
as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. Any person who applies for a license to operate a hot
tub/sauna establishment and who desires to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee
within said establishment shall not be required to pay the fee required by the municipal fee
schedule, but shall be required to furnish the information set forth in Section 4.56.080.
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Reserved.
4.56.080 Application for hot tub/sauna establishment employee permit.
Any application for a permit to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee shall be made
with the chief of police. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application,
the chief of police shall either issue the permit, or mail a written statement of his reason for
denial thereof. The chief of police may require the applicant to allow fingerprints to be taken. In
addition to the requirements of Chapter 4.04, the applicant shall furnish the following
information:
(a) Name, residence address and telephone number;
(b) Social security number and driver's license number if any;
(c) Applicant's weight, height, color of hair and eyes;
(d) The applicant shall furnish a recent photograph of applicant to the police department
official who processes the application;
(e) Written evidence that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age;
(f) Business, occupation or employment of the applicant for the three years immediately
preceding the date of application;
(g) The name and address of the establishment where the applicant is to be employed, and
the name of the owner or operator of the same. Any hot tub/sauna establishment employee
granted a permit pursuant to this section must report any change in hot tub/sauna
establishment employment within five days of said change;
(h) Whether such person has ever been convicted of any crime mentioned in Section
4.56.060. If any person has been so convicted, a statement must be made giving the place and
court in which said conviction was had, the specific charge or charges under which the
conviction was obtained, and the sentence imposed as a result of such conviction;
(i) Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the chief of police.
Reserved.
4.56.090 Appeal.
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In the event a permit or license application has been denied, the applicant shall proceed
pursuant to the appeal and hearing provision of Chapter 4.04.
Reserved.
4.56.100 Hot tub/sauna establishment and operations requirements.
All hot tub/sauna establishments shall comply with the following facilities and operations
requirements and each of the requirements listed in this section shall be conditions of any hot
tub/sauna establishment license which is issued pursuant to the requirements of this chapter:
(a) Hot tub/sauna establishments shall comply with all applicable provisions of this code and
with all applicable health and sanitation laws, rules and regulations of the county of Santa Clara
and state of California.
(b) Toilet and lavatory facilities shall be provided for employees and patrons of a hot
tub/sauna establishment in a number and type not less than the minimum number and type
specified in the applicable code section for such type of use.
(c) A manager or other supervisory representative of the licensee shall be and remain on the
premises of the licensed hot tub/sauna establishment at all times during the operating hours of
the establishment. The licensee shall furnish the chief of police with a list of all persons
authorized by licensee to act as manager or representative of the licensee. Any change in said
list shall be reported to the chief of police immediately.
(d) All suites and rooms within hot tub/sauna establishments, for the use of patrons, shall be
provided with clean laundered sheets, towels and linens in sufficient quantities which shall be
laundered between consecutive uses thereof and stored in an approved sanitary manner. The
same sheets, towels and linens shall not be used in excess of one rental period. No sheets,
towels or linens shall be laundered or dried in any hot tub/sauna establishment unless such
establishment is provided with approved laundry facilities comparable to commercial
laundering facilities, for such laundering and drying. Approved receptacles shall be provided for
the storage of soiled sheets, linens, and towels. Heavy white paper may be substituted for
sheets; provided that such paper is used once for each person and then discarded into a
sanitary receptacle.
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(e) All walls, ceilings, floors, pools, showers, bathtubs, hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, steam
rooms, and all other physical facilities within the establishment must be in good repair and
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Wet and dry heat rooms, steam or vapor rooms,
or steam or vapor cabinets, shower compartments, bathrooms, toilet rooms, saunas, jacuzzis,
hot tubs, and individual suites shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day the
business is in operation. Bathtubs (not including hot tubs) shall be cleaned and thoroughly
disinfected after each use. Not more than one hot tub or similar water-holding device shall be
operated from the same heating or filtering device or any similar mechanism unless each such
hot tub or other similar device is capable of being emptied and refilled independent of any
other hot tub.
(f) The walls in all rooms where water or steam baths are given shall have a washable, mold-
resistant surface.
(g) All lavatories or wash basins shall be provided with hot and cold running water, soap and
single-service towels in wall-mounted dispensers.
(h) Cabinets or other covered space shall be provided for the storage of clean linen.
(i) To protect patrons from potential health and sanitary hazards, all hot tub/sauna
establishment employees shall be clean and shall perform all services on the premises in full,
clean outer garments.
(j) Security deposit facilities capable of being locked by the patron or a waterproof security
bag that may be carried by the patron shall be available for the protection of the valuables of
the patron.
(k) Each service or facility offered, the price thereof, and the minimum length of time such
service shall be performed shall be posted in a conspicuous public location within the hot
tub/sauna establishment. If the hot tub/sauna establishment contains within it one or more
individual rooms or suites, the hourly rental rate for such individual rooms or suites shall also
be posted in a conspicuous public location, along with the minimum and maximum periods of
time such individual rooms or suites can be rented. All letters and numbers shall be capitals,
and not less than one-half inch in height.
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(l) No mirrors of any type shall be placed at any location within or inside the hot tub/sauna
establishment unless the approval of the chief of police has first been obtained; provided,
however, that if the hot tub/sauna establishment is comprised of one or more individual rooms
or suites, a small mirror, not more than three square feet in size, may be placed on the interior
of such room or suite on the door leading from such individual room or suite into any interior
hallway within such establishment, or such other comparable location not visible from the
exterior of such individual room or suite when the door thereto is open as may be approved by
the chief of police.
(m) If the hot tub/sauna establishment is comprised of one or more individual rooms or
suites which are rented to patrons, the interior of any such individual room or suite shall not be
visible from any point outside the room or suite when the door leading from such individual
room or suite into any interior hallway is closed.
(n) No alcoholic beverages of any type shall be permitted to be brought into or consumed
within or upon the premises or property of any hot tub/sauna establishment.
(o) No nudity shall be permitted or allowed to occur in any interior hallways of the
establishment, or in any other open patron area or areas located within the hot tub/sauna
establishment. Nudity shall only be permitted or allowed within the confines of an individual
room or suite located within the establishment and then only by the patrons who have rented
such room or suite.
(p) No individual under the age of eighteen years shall be allowed to enter into or to remain
upon or within the premises of any hot tub/sauna establishment unless such individual is
accompanied by his or her parent or guardian.
(q) All hot tub/sauna establishment employees, while on duty:
(1) Shall remain fully clothed at all times;
(2) Shall not remain inside any of the individual rooms or suites with any patrons of the
establishment while the doors leading to the hallways from such rooms or suites are closed.
Said doors shall remain closed at all times during which the individual room or suite is occupied
and utilized by any patron;
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(3) Shall not perform, for compensation or otherwise, any type of personal services for the
patrons of the establishment, which personal services consist of the touching of any part of the
body of a patron with any part of the employee's body, or any implement utilized by an
employee.
(r) (1) Hot tub/sauna establishments shall close and remain closed from eleven p.m. to nine
a.m.
(2) After one year of operation, a hot tub/sauna establishment may be exempted from the
hours restrictions of this section by the chief of police upon a written request which details the
factual reasons supporting good cause for the exemption. The chief of police, in determining
what constitutes good cause for this exemption from the hours restrictions, shall consider and
weight the following factors:
(A) The criteria outlined in Section 4.04.140 of Chapter 4.04;
(B) The criteria outlined in Section 4.56.030 of this chapter;
(C) The impact which the hot tub/sauna establishment has had on the health, safety, and
welfare of the local community, including, but not limited to, parking and traffic congestion;
(D) The hot tub/sauna establishment's compliance or noncompliance with all federal, state,
and local laws, including, but not limited to, this municipal code.
If, upon review of these factors, the chief of police determines that good cause does exist for
the requested exemption, the chief may then exempt the particular hot tub/sauna
establishment from the hours restrictions of this section. However, in no event shall any hot
tub/sauna establishment close later than two a.m. nor open earlier than six a.m.
(3) The exemption from the hours restrictions of this section shall be subject to review and
renewal annually at the same time as the renewal of the underlying license and the same
factual showing shall be made as that required for the initial exemption. The chief shall not
grant an hours exemption unless said establishment has maintained the criteria specified in
Section 4.56.100(r)(2).
(s) No hot tub/sauna establishment shall be allowed in the following locations:
(1) Within two hundred fifty feet of the exterior property limits of any public or private
elementary school, junior high school or high school;
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(2) Within two hundred fifty feet of the exterior limits of any district where residential use is
the principal permitted use, including all R and RM districts, O-S districts, and any P-C or P-F
districts where the principal use permitted or maintained is residential; or
(3) Within twelve hundred feet of the exterior property limits of any other premises lawfully
occupied by a hot tub/sauna establishment or by any establishment subject to the provisions of
Chapters 4.54 or 4.55, or any cardroom licensed pursuant to Chapter 4.52. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this subdivision, subject to all other provisions of this chapter, a hot tub/sauna
establishment license may be issued for an establishment located within twelve hundred feet of
another hot tub/sauna establishment, an establishment subject to the provisions of Chapters
4.54 or 4.55, or any cardroom licensed pursuant to Chapter 4.52 if the applicant has obtained,
and has in effect, a valid conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 18.76 (Permits and
Approvals). Application for a license under this chapter shall be made and processed prior to an
application for a use permit. In the event it is determined that a license under this chapter
would be issued for the provisions of this subdivision, the application for a use permit shall then
be processed. A license under this chapter shall not be issued until completion of the use
permit application process. In the case of such an application, the time limit for action on a hot
tub/sauna establishment license application contained in Section 4.56.050 shall be
automatically extended as necessary to follow processing of the use permit application. For the
purpose of determining compliance with standard (3), as to, between and with respect to
establishments lawfully in operation on the effective date of this section, priority between such
existing establishments shall be assigned in accordance with the dates upon which said
establishments commenced such lawful operations. In the event any dispute arises regarding
said dates, the applicant shall have the obligation to establish the date on which he
commenced lawful operation.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment lawfully in operation on the effective date of this section
shall, within sixty days of said date apply to the chief of police for a determination as to
compliance with the provisions of this section. Said application shall be in such form as
prescribed by the chief of police.
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Any hot tub/sauna establishment legally existing on the effective date of this subsection and
which is not in compliance with the provisions of this subsection shall comply with said
provisions within three years of the effective date of this subsection; provided, however, that
any such establishment which intends to in any way transfer ownership or alter or change the
nature of any such hot tub/sauna establishment on or after the effective date of this subsection
shall comply with the provisions of this subsection prior to such transfer, alteration or change.
Any such use which at the expiration of said period is not in compliance with the provisions of
this subsection shall at that time discontinue and abate its operation.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment lawfully in operation upon the effective date of this
subsection failing to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be issued a limited-term
license containing a statement on its face reciting such noncompliance and the date by which
compliance must be accomplished, and that said license shall not be renewed beyond said date.
All distances referred to in this subsection shall be measured between the closest points on
the exterior property lines or area boundaries of the parcels or areas involved, except that
when a hot tub/sauna establishment subject to the provisions of this section occupies one unit
of a multi-unit structure located on a single parcel, distances shall be measured from the
exterior boundaries of the unit so occupied.
Reserved.
4.56.110 Inspection by officials.
Any and all investigating officials of the city shall have the right to enter hot tub/sauna
establishments from time to time during regular business hours to make reasonable inspections
to observe and enforce compliance with building, fire, electrical, plumbing or other health
safety regulations. A warrant shall be obtained whenever required by law.
4.56.120 Business name.
No person licensed to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall operate under any name
or conduct business under any designation not specified in the a County license(s).
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4.56.130 Business location change.
Upon a change of location of a hot tub/sauna establishment, an application to the chief of
police shall be made in the same form as an original application, and such application shall be
granted, provided all applicable provisions of this code are complied with as in the case of an
original application, and a change of location fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule to
defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report has been paid to the city.
Reserved.
4.56.140 Sale or transfer of hot tub/sauna establishment interest.
A sale or transfer of any interest in a hot tub/sauna establishment, which interest would be
reported as required in this chapter upon application for a hot tub/sauna establishment license,
shall be reported to the chief of police within ten days of such sale or transfer. The chief of
police shall investigate any person receiving any interest in a hot tub/sauna establishment as a
result of such sale or transfer, and if such person satisfies the requirements relating to hot
tub/sauna establishment license applicants, the existing license shall be endorsed to include
such person. A fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule shall be paid to the city for the
investigation by the chief of police necessitated by each such sale or transfer.
Reserved.
4.56.150 Display of permits, licenses.
The owner or operator of a hot tub/sauna establishment shall display the hot tub/sauna
establishment license and the permit of each and every hot tub/sauna establishment employee
employed in the establishment in an open and conspicuous place on the premises. Passport-
size photographs of the licensee and permittees shall be affixed to the respective license and
permits on display pursuant to this section. Home addresses of hot tub/sauna establishment
employees need not be displayed.
Reserved.
4.56.160 Grounds for denial, probation, and disciplinary action.
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In addition to any provisions contained in this chapter, the provisions of Section 4.04.140 shall
apply to licenses and permits required under this chapter. Any circumstances constituting
grounds for denial shall also constitute grounds for revocation, suspension or disciplinary
action.
Reserved.
4.56.170 Hearing.
Any licensee or permittee whose license or permit has been suspended or revoked shall
proceed pursuant to the appeal and hearing provisions of Chapter 4.04.
Reserved.
4.56.180 Application to existing establishments and employees.
All operators of existing hot tub/sauna establishments, and all hot tub/sauna establishment
employees in the city upon the effective date of this chapter shall comply with all application
and other requirements within thirty days following the effective date of this chapter.
Reserved.
4.56.190 Application of other code provisions.
Chapter 4.04 shall apply to the subject matter of this chapter in all respects, including those
not specifically mentioned in this chapter.
Reserved.
4.56.200 Employment of persons under the age of eighteen years prohibited.
No licensee shall employ, hire or retain the services of any individual who is under the age of
eighteen years old. No licensee shall knowingly employ, hire or retain the services of, or
continue to employ or retain, any individual who has been convicted of any of the offenses set
forth in subsection (b) of Section 4.56.060, or who has failed to obtain the permit required by
Section 4.56.060.
Reserved.
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SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or
sections of the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it should have adopted the
Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared
invalid.
SECTION 5. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance
will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be effective 31 days after adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Chief of Police
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 1
Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending and Restating the
Administrative Penalty Schedule and Civil Penalty Schedules for Certain
Violations of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Administrative Penalties. The administrative penalty schedule for violations of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code established by Resolution No. 10265 is hereby amended and
restated to read as follows (edited sections underlined):
Standard penalty unless otherwise indicated below. $50
Second violation within 36 month period 150% of listed penalty
(unless otherwise specified)
Third & subsequent violations within 36 month period. 200% of listed penalty
(unless otherwise specified)
Delinquency penalty. 10% per month, simple interest, on
delinquent amount
4.04.020 License or permit required. 300
4.04.100 Display of license or permit. 300
4.10.045 License fees for pushcart vendors. 300
4.10.050 Regulations for solicitors and peddlers. 350
4.10.055 Identification cards for solicitors. 250
4.10.057 Regulations for pushcart vendors. 300
4.10.070 License required - circus etc. 300
4.10.120 Arcade prohibited. 250
4.10.200 Pawn brokers prohibited. 250
4.10.230 Daily report of second hand dealers. 250
4.10.240 Maintaining reports - second hand dealers. 250
4.10.260 Failure to make report - second hand dealers. 250
4.10.270 Second hand goods held for inspection. 250
4.18.040 Unlawful dog or cat kennel. 250
4.30.010 Soliciting without a permit. 250
4.30.100 Conduct of solicitations. 250
4.32.020 Soliciting without a permit. 250
4.32.060 Investigation of records of solicitor. 250
4.32.090 Acts required during solicitation. 250
4.32.100 Restriction of solicitation. 250
4.32.110 Hours of solicitation. 250
4.34.020 Permit required - closing out sale. 250
4.39.030 Audible alarms. 250
4.39.040 Limitation on automatic dialing devices. 250
4.39.060 Registration of alarm. 250
4.39.110 Alarm violations. 100
4.42.020 Certificate of public convenience. 1000
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 2
4.42.085 Controlled substance and alcohol testing. 500
4.42.090 Taxi owners permit. 5000
4.42.100 Taxi drivers permit expired. 250
4.42.130(b) Taxi drivers permit not displayed. 250
4.42.190 Taximeters. 500
4.42.200 Taxi cab operating regulations. 250
4.42.210(a) Interference with inspection. 500
4.42.210(b) Inspection of vehicles. 500
4.42.220 Operating regulations. 500
4.42.230 Maintenance of vehicles. 500
4.51.030 License required - bingo. 250
4.51.050 Minors restricted - bingo. 50
4.51.080 Staffing and operations - bingo. 250
4.51.110 Physical presence required - bingo. 250
4.52.020 License required - billiards and bowling. 1000
4.52.040 Minors restricted - billiards and bowling. 250
4.52.060 Offensive conduct - billiards and bowling. 250
4.52.070 Interference w/emerg. Access -billiards/bowling. 250
4.54.060 CAMTC cert. required - massage tech. 250
4.54.080(a) Permit required - massage establishment. 1000
4.54.080(b)-(d) Prohibited conduct – massage establishment 250
4.54.130 Failure to amend massage estab. permit 100
4.54.140 Massage establishment facilities. 250
4.55.030 License required - adult entertainment. 1000
4.56.030 License required - hot tub and sauna. 1000
4.56.120 Business name - hot tub and sauna. 250
4.57.020 Permit required - firearms sales. 1000
4.57.095 Firearms dealers – business and security. 500
4.58.020 Minors restricted - narcotics paraphernalia shop. 750
4.58.030 Regulations - narcotics paraphernalia shop. 750
4.59.010 Pet shop requirements. 250
4.59.020 Pet shop sanitation. 250
4.59.030 Pet shop food. 250
4.59.040 Pet shop notification. 250
4.59.050 Pet shop - sale of dangerous or wild animals. 250
4.59.070 Dead animals. 250
4.59.080 Permit required - pet shop and kennel. 250
4.59.090 Permit required - grooming shop. 250
4.59.095 Sales of kittens and puppies. 250
4.59.100 Sales of raccoons. 250
4.59.105 Sales of rabbits, chicks, ducklings. 250
4.60.030 Business registration required 250
4.60.060 Business registry application required 250
4.60.120(a) Business registry fee delinquency 50% of registry fee if 1-30 days late
100% of fee or 31+ days late
5.12.010 Permit required - refreshment stand. 250
5.20.030 Discarding solid waste. 250
5.20.040 Accumulation of garbage. 250
5.20.050 Unauthorized bins, boxes, containers-first violation. 500
Second and subsequent violations. 1000
5.20.080 Number of containers required. 250
5.20.090 Collection of recyclable materials. 250 for Commercial Premises
50 for Residential Premises
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 3
5.20.100 Collection of compostable materials. 250 for Commercial Premises
50 for Residential Premises
5.20.105 Contamination of containers. 250 for Commercial Premises
50 for Residential Premises
5.20.108 Multifamily properties/Commercial premises. 250
5.20.109 Requirements for special events. 100
5.20.111 Self-haul in violation of code 100
5.20.120 Improper container condition. 250
5.20.130 Maintenance of bins and boxes- first violation. 250
Second and subsequent violations. 500
5.20.160 Spillage or leakage of solid waste. 250
5.20.180 No accumulation of solid waste. 250
5.20.190 No burning, burial, or dumping of solid waste. 250
5.20.200 Hazardous waste. 500
5.20.220 Scavenging prohibited. 100
5.30.020 Polystyrene & Non-Recyclable Plastic. 500
5.30.025(a)-(d) Limitation on use of Disposable Foodware items 100
and other Disposable products.
5.30.025(e) Prohibition of third-party vendors providing utensils 350
or condiments unless requested by customer.
5.35.020 Bags at retail establishments. 500
5.35.030 Bags at supermarkets. 500
6.08.020(b) Interference with animal control officer. 250
6.16.010 No dog license. 50
6.16.080 Number of dogs allowed. 100
6.16.100 Leash Law. 100
6.20.010 Animals at large. 100
6.20.020 Animals on unenclosed premises. 100
6.20.030 Animals kept in enclosures. 100
6.20.035 Tying animals to bicycle racks or trees. 100
6.20.040 Nuisance on sidewalk. 100
6.20.045 Animal waste removal - first offense. 25
6.20.045 Animal waste removal - second offense. 50
6.20.045 Animal waste removal - third offense. 125
6.20.055 Animals in vehicles. 250
6.20.060 Bees close to property line. 100
6.20.080 Permit required - livestock. 100
6.20.090 Maintaining birds, goats, pigs and rabbits. 100
6.20.110 Number of cats kept. 100
6.20.120 Permit required - breeding animals. 100
6.20.130 Cat or dog in heat. 100
6.20.140 Barking dogs. 100
6.20.150 Vaccination required - animals. 100
6.20.160 Sanitary enclosures. 100
6.20.170 Slaughter of animals. 500
6.24.020 Permit required - construction of stable. 250
6.24.050 Maintenance of stable. 250
6.28.040 Possession of dangerous or wild animals. 500
6.32.010 Keeping diseased animals. 500
6.32.020 Confining animals with rabies. 500
6.32.050 Dead animals in public. 500
6.36.010 Sales of certain animals. 250
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 4
8.04.020 Unauthorized removal of public trees 5000 per tree or reproduction cost
up to 10,000, whichever is greater
8.04.020(a) Failure to comply with permit 500 per tree
for work on public trees.
8.04.020(a) Damage to public trees 150 per inch diameter of damaged
tree part
8.04.020(b) Fasten a sign, wire, or injurious material 250 per tree
to any public tree.
8.04.020(c) Excavate or pave near public trees 500 per tree
8.04.080 Interference with tree enforcement. 500
8.08.010 Weeds as public nuisance. 250
8.10.040 Failure to disclose protected tree 500 per tree
8.10.050 Unauthorized removal of protected tree 5000 per tree or reproduction cost
up to 10,000, whichever is greater
8.10.055 Failure to comply with tree replacement. 750 per tree
8.10.070 Failure to care for protected trees. 500 per tree
8.10.080(b) Failure to comply with development conditions. 500 per condition
9.04.010 Open container in business district. 100
9.04.020 Open container in City parking lot. 100
9.04.030 Open container near liquor store. 100
9.04.040 Social host. First violation 250
Second violation 500
Third & subsequent violation 1000
9.06 (All sections) Vanlording prohibited 500
9.07.020 Safe Storage of Firearms 1000
9.08.010 Discharge of firearms/fireworks. 1000
9.09.010(a) Urinating/defecating on street or public place. 250
9.09.010(b) Igniting or maintaining outdoor fire. 250
9.10.030 Residential property noise limits. 100
9.10.040 Commercial property noise limits. 100
9.10.050 Public property noise limits. 100
9.10.060(b) Construction noise signs. 250
9.10.060(c) Construction noise. 250
9.10.060(d) Construction equipment noise. 100
9.10.060(e) Residential power equipment noise. 100
9.10.060(f) Leaf blower noise- first violation. 250
Leaf blower noise- second violation 500
Leaf blower noise- third and subsequent violation 1000
9.10.060(g) Street sweeping noise. 100
9.10.060(h) Refuse collection noise. 100
9.10.060(i) Safety device noise. 100
9.10.060(k) Public parking lot cleaning noise. 100
9.10.060(l) Business district street cleaning noise. 100
9.12.010 Loudspeakers. 150
9.14.020 Smoking prohibited - enclosed places. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.025 Smoking prohibited – unenclosed areas. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.030 Smoking prohibited - city cars. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 5
9.14.035 Smoking prohibited – public parks and public events 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.040 Smoking prohibited - child care facilities. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.050 Smoking prohibited – commercial areas
and public events. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.080 Location of tobacco vending machines. 1000
9.14.090 Display of tobacco products. 500
9.14.100 Failure to post “No Smoking” signs. 50
9.22.010 Impersonating public officials. 500
9.26.020 False representation as police officer. 250
9.28.010 Hotel guest register required. 250
9.28.020 Use of false name by hotel guest. 50
9.40.020 Landing aircraft at other than airport. 1000
9.44.010 Solicitation prohibited - public parking lot. 100
9.48.010 Displaying goods on sidewalk. 50
9.48.025 Sitting or lying on University Avenue sidewalks. 100
9.48.030 Operation of sidewalk elevator. 500
9.48.040 Throwing rubbish on streets. 250
9.48.050 Obligation to clean sidewalk. 200
9.50.010 Graffiti prohibited on public property. 500
9.56.030 Abatement of public nuisance. 500 unless otherwise specified
9.56.030(a)(5) Thirty-five foot site triangle. 200
9.56.030(a)(8) Foliage/branch obstruction. 200
9.56.030(a)(10) Excessive planting strip vegetation height. 150
9.60.030 Blocking entrances to City Hall. 500
9.60.050 Placing signs or climbing on City Hall. 500
9.60.060 Bicycles and skateboards at City Hall. 50
9.60.070 Alcoholic beverages prohibited - City Hall. 100
9.64.010 Overnight use of community facilities 250
9.74.030 Discrimination in housing. 250
9.78.020 Mosquito breeding places. 500
9.79.100 News rack violations. 100
12.08.010 Permit required - public right of way. 500
12.08.100 Removal of City Engineer monuments. 500
12.11.010 Building parklet on public right-of-way without 1000
permit
12.11.060 Violation of Chapter 12.11, permit, or regulations 500
12.12.010 Building on public easement without or in violation 1000
of encroachment permit
12.12.020 Failure to obtain or violation of commercial 500
sidewalk encroachment permit
12.16.030 Overhead wires in underground districts. 500
12.16.090 Property owner responsibility. 500
12.20.010 Utility rules and regulations 500 unless otherwise specified
12.20.010 Emergency water conservation regulations 100 (2nd violation in 1 year: $250;
(Reso. Nos. 9509, 9460, 9449) 3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
12.20.020 Providing false information to City Utilities. 500
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 6
12.32.010 Water use regulation. 100
15.04.070 Violations of Uniform Fire Code. 500 unless otherwise specified
16.04.050 Violations of California Building Code as amended. 500 unless otherwise specified
16.05.040 Violations of California Mechanical Code as amended500
16.06.050 Violations of California Residential Code as amended.500
16.08.040 Violations of California Plumbing Code as amended. 500
16.09.200 Violations of Sewer Use Ordinance 1000
16.10.020 Construction of private sewer system. 750
16.10.050 Permit required - private sewage system. 500
16.11 (All Sections) Violations of the Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Ordinance 1000
16.13 (All Sections) Violations of the Food Facilities Ordinance 1000
16.14.040 Violations of California Green Building 500
Standards Code as amended
16.14.260 Failure to meet diversion requirements. $150 per ton of waste not
diverted or $3000, whichever is
greater
16.14.370 Failure to meet diversion requirements. $150 per ton of waste not
diverted or $3000, whichever is
greater
16.16.060 Violations of California Electrical Code as amended. 500
16.17.020 Violations of California Energy Code as amended. 500
16.18.020 Violations of International Pool and Spa Code as 500
amended
16.20.020 Design review required - signs. 500
16.20.090 Prohibited signs. 250
16.20.100 Prohibited locations - signs. 250
16.20.110 Fuel price signs required. 250
16.20.210 Non-compliance with sign ordinance. 250
16.20.230 Abandoned signs. 250
16.20.250 Parking of advertising vehicles. 250
16.24.080 Fence violation. 250
16.28.060 Permit required - excavation and grading. 500
16.28.330 Protection of adjacent property. 500
16.28.340 Deposits of earth, rock, etc. 500
16.32.010 Permit required - moving a building. 250
16.36.050 Curb painting without a permit. 100
16.36.060 House numbering required. 100
16.38.020 Certificate of occupancy – community housing. 500
16.40.040 Dangerous and substandard buildings. 500
16.40.090 Non-compliance with order of building official. 500
16.40.180 Interference with repair or demolition work. 500
16.42.090 Failure to submit seismic report. 250
16.45.070 Failure to pay fee - Stanford Research Park. 250
16.46.060 Failure to pay fee - San Antonio - West Bayshore. 250
16.47.050 Failure to pay housing impact fee. 250
16.49.050 Exterior alteration of downtown historic structures 10000
or a significant structure outside the downtown
without or in violation of permit
16.49.060 Demolition of a significant downtown building 10000
without or in violation of permit
16.49.070 Demolition of a contributing downtown structure 10000
or significant structure outside the downtown
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 7
without or in violation of permit
16.49.080 Maintenance of downtown historic structure. 10000
16.49.090 Demolition of downtown historic structure. 10000
16.52.070 Construction - flood hazards. 500
16.59.090 Failure to pay fee- Citywide Transportation Impact. 250
16.60.090 Failure to pay fee- Charleston/Arastradero. 250
16.62.020 Maintenance of expired building permit 200 for 31st through 60th day
400 for 61st through 120th day
800 for 121st day and thereafter
16.66 (All Sections) Violations of Hauled Liquid Waste 1000
Ordinance
17.04.020 Violations of hazardous materials storage. 500, unless otherwise specified
17.04.030 Specific obligation - hazardous materials. 500
17.10.010 General obligation - underground storage tanks. 750 unless otherwise specified
17.10.040 Permit required - underground storage. 500
17.10.140 Financial responsibility - underground storage. 500
17.10.150 Monitoring underground storage tanks. 1000
17.10.170 Unlawful abandonment - underground storage tanks.1000
17.12.010 Permit required - hazardous materials storage. 750
17.12.020 New hazardous materials storage facilities. 750
17.12.060 Hazardous materials storage facilities. 750
17.16.010 Hazardous materials management plan. 250
17.20.010 Hazardous materials inventory statement. 250
17.24.010 Hazardous materials discharge report. 750
17.32.010 Permit required - storage of hazardous materials. 1000
18.01.080 Violation of zoning laws. 500
18.16.060(d)Hotel stay in excess of 30 days. 200
18.38.020 Planned Community zoning (unless otherwise 500
specified in PC ordinance) 2500 beginning the 181st day
following notice of violation
Violations of Ordinance 5069 shall be subject to the penalties listed above except that the penalty
for violations of Sections 4(b)(1),
(2), (6), and (7) of Ordinance 5069
shall not be subject to the
penalties above or to the
escalators for second, third and
subsequent violations, but shall be
$2157 per day, for each and every
day that a grocery store is not in
operation within College Terrace
Centre in accordance with the
terms of Ordinance 5069. (The City
Council intends to adjust this
penalty amount periodically in
future updates to this
administrative penalty schedule to
account for periodic increases in
the Consumer Price Index for All
Urban Consumers.) In calculating
the penalties for such violations,
the City will allow for a grace
period for any daily violations that
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 8
do not exceed six (6) cumulative
months in any five (5) year period.
However, this grace period was
previously applied to violations
from 1/10/18 through 7/10/18, so
there is no entitlement to any
further grace period prior to
1/10/23.
18.42.060(a)Incompatibility of home occupations. 200
18.42.060(b) Employees of home occupation. 200
18.42.060(c) On site advertising of home occupation. 200
18.42.060(d) Floor area of home occupation. 200
18.42.060(e) Traffic related to home occupation. 200
18.42.060(f) Home occupation as nuisance. 200
18.42.060(g) Outdoor storage related to home occupation. 200
18.42.070 Servicing vehicles in residential zone. 250
18.52.050 Transportation demand management conditions 1000
4000 beginning the 181st day
following notice of violation
18.84.200 Temporary uses. 250
22.04.030 Compliance with park regulations. 46 for violation of regulation R1-6
requiring payment of Foothills Park
entry fee; 250 for violation of all
other Park & Open Space
Regulations.
22.04.040 Failure to obtain use permit. 300
22.04.150(b) Entry at unapproved location - Foothills Park 50
22.04.150(c) Person in park after hours - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.150(d) Speed limit 20MPH - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.150(e) Vehicles in Foothills Park after hours. 100
22.04.150(f) Skateboards and motorcycles - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.150(g) Smoking on trails - Foothills Park. 1000
22.04.150(h) Fires in Foothills Park. 1000
22.04.150(i) Use of trails - Foothills Park. 100
22.04.150(l) Unleashed dog - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.155 Restraint of dogs in City parks. 250
22.04.160 Permit required - sales in parks. 250
22.04.170 Violation of park use permit. 250
22.04.180 Sound in parks. 250
22.04.190 Unauthorized golf and other games in parks. 250
22.04.200 Unauthorized models and kites in parks. 100
22.04.210 Parking in parks. 100
22.04.215 Launch and takeout from ramp or dock. 250
22.04.220 Bicycle not permitted on trails. 250
22.04.230 Dumping in park. 1000
22.04.240 Interference with park use permit. 250
22.04.250 Park regulations . 250 unless otherwise specified
22.04.260 Discharge of weapons in park. 500
22.04.270 Removal of flora or fauna. 500
22.04.280 Removal of turf or soil. 500
22.04.290(a) Damaging, defacing, etc., property. 1000
22.04.290(b) Marking, writing or printing on property. 1000
22.04.290(c) Attaching sign, etc., without permit. 500
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 9
22.04.290(d) Entering, etc., structure after posted hours. 250
22.04.290(e) Bringing portable tables without a permit. 100
22.04.300 Unlawful fire in city park. 1000
22.04.310 Enid Pearson Arastradero, Esther Park closure. 250
22.04.315 Byxbee Park and Baylands closed. 250
22.04.320 Parks closed. 250
22.04.321(a)Skateboarding in park after hours. 50
22.04.322 Trespass at Rinconada Park pool. 50
22.04.330 Alcohol in Cogswell Park. 250
22.04.331 Alcohol in Lytton Plaza. 250
22.04.332 Alcohol in Johnson Park. 250
22.04.333 Alcohol in Boulware Park. 250
22.04.334 Alcohol in Scott St. Minipark. 250
22.04.335 Alcohol in Greer Park. 250
22.04.336(a)Alcohol in Rinconada Park. 250
22.04.337 Alcohol in Mitchell Park. 250
22.04.338 Alcohol in Robles Park. 250
22.04.339 Alcohol in Hopkins Park. 250
22.04.340 Vehicles in park. 250
22.04.341 Alcohol in El Palo Alto Park. 250
22.04.342 Alcohol in Heritage Park. 250
22.04.343 Alcohol in Pardee Park. 250
22.04.350 Consumption of alcoholic beverage in vehicles. 250
22.04.360 Open container in park - alcoholic beverage. 250
22.04.370 Reckless driving in park. 250
22.04.380 Unlawful riding and towing in parks. 250
22.04.390 Duck pond. 100
SECTION 2. Municipal Code Civil Penalties. The civil penalty schedule for violations of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code established by Resolution No. 10265 is hereby restated to read as follows*:
Standard penalty unless otherwise indicated below. $46
10.36.020 No parking in parkways. 46
10.36.030(a)Storage on the street (72 hours). 86
10.36.040(a)(1)Vehicle for sale on street. 46
10.36.040(a)(2)Repairing vehicle on street. 46
10.36.050 Not w/in 18” of left curb--One-way street. 46
10.36.090 Removal of chalk markings. 111
10.40.020(a)(1)Parking violation – red curb. 46
10.40.020(a)(4)Parking violation – green curb. 46
10.40.020(a)(5)Parking violation – blue curb. 308
10.40.020(b)Parking in violation of sign (except blue curb). 46
10.40.020(b)Unlawful disabled parking - signs (blue curb). 308
10.40.040(b)Commercial vehicle double parking. 46
10.40.050 Unlawful parking in yellow loading zone. 46
10.40.060 Unlawful parking in passenger loading zone. 46
10.40.070 Unlawful alley parking. 46
10.40.100(g)Parking in a bus zone. 46
10.44.010(b)Overtime parking (limited time zone). 41
10.44.010(c)Additional violation of time limited or no 44
parking zones.
10.44.020 Oversized vehicle parking 46
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 10
10.44.040(b)Not in space marking. 46
10.44.050 Parking violation. 46
10.44.060 Dealers--parking for sale or repair. 46
10.44.070(b)Parking in violation of posted sign. 46
10.44.080 Vehicle obstruction of roadway or lot. 46
10.44.090 Unattended vehicle, engine running. 111
10.45.110 Parking in on-street valet parking space. 46
10.46.110 Overtime residential parking permit (CT) 53
10.48.030 Truck route violation. 211
10.50.100(a)Violation of posted RPP permit sign 53
10.60.070(c)Permit not properly displayed. 41
10.60.070(d)Overtime permit parking in City lot. 41
10.60.070(e)Parking without permit in permit area. 46
22.04.150(e)In Foothills Park after hours. 111
22.04.210 Parking in parks. 111
Late payment penalty. 35
Collection cost penalty. 35% of listed penalty
*All penalties include state-mandated assessments pursuant to Gov’t. Code 76000, S.B 1407(2008), and
Government Code 76000.3 (S.B. 857, 2008) totaling $12.50.
SECTION 3. Vehicle Code Civil Penalties. The civil penalty schedule for violations of the
California Vehicle Code established by Resolution No. 10265 is hereby restated to read as
follows*:
5200 No front license plate. $78
(If corrected within 31 days) 10 (state mandated)
5204(a) No registration tabs on license plate. 78
(If corrected within 31 days) 10 (state mandated)
21113(a) Parking on public grounds. 46
22500(a) Parking in an intersection. 46
22500(b) Parking in a crosswalk. 46
22500(d) Parking w/in 15 feet--fire station driveway. 46
22500(e) Blocking driveway. 46
22500(f) Parking on sidewalk. 46
22500(g) Parking or stopping--excavation site, etc. 46
22500(h) Double parking on roadway. 46
22500(i) Parking in a bus zone. 261
22500(l) Parking in front of accessible curb. 303
22500.1 Parking in a fire lane (public or private). 46
22502 Right hand wheels not w/in 18” of rt. curb. 46
22505(b) Parking on state highway violation. 46
22507.8(a-b)Unlawful parking in handicapped space. 303
22507.8(c)(1-2)Straddling Lines/Cross hatched, disabled. 303
22511.57(a) Parking/standing of vehicle in disabled parking $753
stall or space with invalid license/placard.
22511.57(b) Unauthorized use of license/placard for vehicle $753
parking/standing in disabled parking stall or space.
22511.57(c) Parking/standing of vehicle in disabled parking $753
stall or space with counterfeit, forged, altered or
mutilated license/placard for disabled.
22514 Parking within 15 feet of fire hydrant. 46
*NOT YET APPROVED*
150_20251222_ts24 11
22515 Unattended vehicle, engine running. 111
22516 Person locked in vehicle. 111
22521 Parking within 7 1/2 feet of railroad tracks. 46
22522 Parking near sidewalk access ramp. 303
22523(a) Unlawful abandonment of vehicle on highway. 131
22523(b) Abandoned vehicle--public/private property. 131
22526 Entering/blocking intersection – anti-gridlock. 131
22951 No street, alley parking--patron vehicles. 46
*All penalties include state-mandated assessments pursuant to Gov’t. Code 76000, S.B 1407(2008), and
Government Code 76000.3 (S.B. 857, 2008) totaling $12.50.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not meet the
definition of a project under Public Resources Code Section 21065, thus, no environmental
assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act is required.
SECTION 5. The changes made in this Resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
________________________________ ________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
_______________________________ ________________________________
City Attorney or Designee City Manager
________________________________
Chief of Police