Lately, Jordan City Attorney Annette Margarit has been pouring over city ordinances, deciding what to recommend the city keep and throw out.

One that is likely to be thrown out is an ordinance prohibiting massage parlors and saunas. The city council approved the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would restrict but also allow masseuses to operate in Jordan. It would not allow sauna businesses.

"Years ago, massage parlors were fronts for certain types of businesses that the city does not want to encourage," Margarit said.

The recent increase in the popularity of therapeutic massages has driven many city officials to changes of heart about the businesses, she added.

After a second hearing, the proposal can become an ordinance. It would require that massage therapists be licensed, comply with zoning restrictions, follow health and sanitation requirements, and operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The ordinance would not allow anyone who has a liquor license to be granted a license for massage.

Some people are excepted from the ordinance's licensure requirements, including: barbers; people who operate under the authority of a physician or physical therapist; some student practitioners for massage services; manicurists who are permitted to massage the head, neck, and feet; and workers operating under the license of a hospital or nursing home.

The proposed ordinance is one of a string of dozens of ordinances Margarit is reviewing.

Tonight, she also asked the city to approve the summary of an ordinance concerning growth of grass, weeds and trees. It dealt with easement and the removal of diseased trees, and it increased the debt service connection charge required for warehouses.

Ordinances are published for public notice before going into effect.