PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners removed a 46-year-old ordinance regarding licensing of massage parlors and bath houses from the county code on Tuesday.
“It’s a relic in our code that’s not being utilized, said Commissioner Mark Ozias.
Clallam County Auditor Shoona Riggs said she has processed three licenses through the ordinance so far this year, one last year, one the year before that, and then none for 10 years.
She said not only is it an archaic part of the county code, but it’s not generating enough revenue and neither the health department nor code compliance officer enforces it.
Riggs said all have state and business processes they must go through, so a county process isn’t necessary.
Ordinance No. 71, providing for licensing of massage parlors and public bathhouses was passed by the Clallam County commissioners on Sept. 23, 1976. It covered the required license, advertising by unlicensed person, the license application and fees, proper conduct and penalties.
Deputy Human Resources Director Tom Reyes said the entire ordinance as written will be stricken from the county code.
In other action, the commissioners:
• Approved a letter of support to the federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration for Clallam Public Utility District’s grant application to fund middle mile infrastructure for broadband from Airport Road in Port Angeles to Forks.
• Approved a letter of support for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s grant application to the federal Department of Energy for its Marine Renewable Microgrids for Remote Coastal Communities program.
• Approved an agreement with the Washington State Military Department for Operation Stonegarden.
• Approved an agreement and project prospectus with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) for painting the Sol Duc River Bridge on Quillayute Airport Road east of Forks.
• Approved an agreement and project prospectus with DOT for painting the Weel Bridge near Clallam Bay.
• Approved an agreement with the Port of Port Angeles to use Airport Road for staging demolition derby cars and support parking during the county fair, which begins Thursday.
• Declared the updated Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to be complete.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@sound publishing.com.
