Ordinance amending the Planning Code to make various clarifying and typographical changes, and prohibit massage establishments and massage sole practitioner uses as accessory uses to residential uses; affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; making findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of Planning Code, Section 101.1; and making findings of public necessity, convenience, and welfare pursuant to Planning Code, Section 302.

This ordinance introduces extensive clarifying and typographical changes across Articles 1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Planning Code. The most significant policy change is the prohibition of massage establishments and massage sole practitioner uses as accessory uses to residential dwelling units. This amendment aligns the Planning Code with Department of Public Health practices, which routinely deny such proposals in residential areas due to concerns related to human trafficking.

Key Regulatory Amendments Include:

• Retail Uses: Exempts General Grocery stores from Conditional Use Authorization requirements for large retail uses (exceeding 50,000 sq ft), aiming to support their establishment. It also clarifies "Formula Retail" restrictions for restaurants in several Neighborhood Commercial Districts.
• Bicycle Parking: Corrects an error in Section 155.2, changing the minimum Class 2 bicycle parking requirement for certain Entertainment, Arts and Recreation Uses from one space per 500 seats to one space per 50 seats.
• Laundromats: Deletes Section 202.12, an expired limitation on changes to Laundromat uses.

Administrative & Clarifying Changes: The ordinance updates various definitions (e.g., "Nighttime Entertainment," "Liquor Store"), standardizes terminology (e.g., "Planning Commission"), incorporates recently created Neighborhood Commercial Districts into relevant code sections, and removes numerous outdated code references, processes, and reporting requirements for improved readability and enforceability.

The Planning Commission adopted a recommendation for approval on October 23, 2025, finding the ordinance consistent with the General Plan and the eight priority policies of Planning Code Section 101.1.

Residents will benefit from clearer and more consistent planning regulations, making the city's code easier to understand. The prohibition of massage businesses in residential dwelling units is intended to enhance public safety by addressing concerns related to human trafficking. Additionally, the exemption for large general grocery stores from certain permit requirements could support access to diverse food options in neighborhoods.

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