DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Attorney
Police Chief
SUBJECT
Title
Massage Permits: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Article 10, Chapter 6 of the Hayward Municipal Code Relating to Massage Permits and Finding that the Action is Exempt from Environmental Review.
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council introduces the attached ordinance (Attachment II) amending Article 10, Chapter 6 of the Hayward Municipal Code, relating to Massage Permits, and finds that the
action is exempt from environmental review.
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SUMMARY
On December 16, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 25-16, an interim urgency ordinance imposing a 45-day moratorium on approval of new massage businesses in Hayward. On January 27, 2026 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 26-02, extending the moratorium for an additional 10 months, 15 days as allowed by state law. During this moratorium no conditional use permits, massage permits, or business licenses would be issued for new massage establishments or existing establishments undergoing a change of ownership.
Under current zoning regulations, massage businesses are allowed by right in the downtown core, but require a conditional use permit in some other commercial areas and are completely prohibited in other parts of the City. Additionally, massage businesses must obtain an operating permit (massage permit) from the Hayward Police Department pursuant to Hayward Municipal Code Chapter 6, Article 10. The attached ordinance contains amendments to regulations relating to issuance of massage permits that are intended to enhance enforcement capabilities, including expanded basis for suspension or revocation of permits.
The Business Friendly Hayward project led by the Planning Division includes amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that impose stricter land use controls around massage establishments. Introduction of the Business Friendly Hayward amendments are taking place separately but in conjunction with the introduction of the updated massage regulations contained in the attached ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Ordinance
Attachment III Exhibit A to Attachment II