Palo Alto Municipal Code Ch. 4.56 Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments

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) “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.

(Ord. 5693 § 3 (part), 2026: Ord. 3113 § 1 (part), 1979)

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 any applicable valid license(s) or permit(s) required by and obtained from the County of Santa Clara.

(Ord. 5693 § 3 (part), 2026: Ord. 3113 § 1 (part), 1979)

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 safety regulations. A warrant shall be obtained whenever required by law.

(Ord. 5693 § 3 (part), 2026: Ord. 4642 § 5, 2000: Ord. 3113 § 1 (part), 1979)

No person licensed to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall operate under any name or conduct business under any designation not specified in a county license(s).

(Ord. 5693 § 3 (part), 2026: Ord. 3113 § 1 (part), 1979)