Los Angeles County adopted
an ordinance on October 14, 2004, that redefined
bathhouses or similar establishments as commercial sex
venues (CSVs). Regulations governing the
inspection process were issued November 10, 2005.
The ordinance, Bathhouses and Similar Commercial
Establishments, requires the Health Officer to
establish and enforce regulations to eliminate
unacceptable public health risks associated with the
operation of CSVs and minimize high-risk sexual
practices associated with the transmission of HIV and
other sexually transmitted diseases. Further, upon
review and verification by the Health Officer that a CSV
has met the requirements of the regulations, the Health
Officer is required to issue a permit to the owner per Los Angeles County Code, Title 11,
Chapter 11.04, Part 3.
Public Health Investigation (PHI) Administration has
been designated to conduct the inspection process.
As such, the County Health Officer may enter and inspect
any CSV, or enter and inspect any location suspected of
being a CSV, for purposes of enforcing the regulations.
Such inspections may be conducted as often as necessary
to ensure compliance. PHI Administration will
enforce the ordinance and regulations, and will also
respond to all Public Health Permit inquiries.
For questions, complaints or to apply for a permit, call (323)
659-6144 or email us at
phicor@ph.lacounty.gov.
Authority:
Los Angeles County Health and
Safety Code, Title 11, Chapter 11.04, Part 3
Commercial Sex Venue Regulation, Issued November 10,
2005
