The permits were first mandated earlier this year as part of the city's effort to crack down on illicit practices, including prostitution, at some massage parlors. However, the requirement has frustrated legitimate business owners who say the process has been cumbersome and embarrassing.

At a prior meeting, council members acknowledged that the permitting process was causing undue burden on rule-following operators. Yet on Monday, they voted against halting new applications, with some arguing that a pause would be unfair to those who had already completed the process.

"It's not fair to honest businesspeople out there," Mayor Mark Nash said during the meeting.

Nash also conceded that the ordinance is not perfect. "It makes it really hard for the legitimate businesspeople out there," he said. "At the same time, it makes it really hard for us because we're sitting here trying to do the right thing."

Several business owners spoke at last month's council meeting, emphasizing that they are not the source of the problem the city is trying to address. One speaker said, "We are proud to do business in Edmond. We serve the people who have built the families, schools, churches and businesses that keep the community going, and we're proud to be part of Edmond."

The council's decision means the city will continue processing special use permit applications while working through the existing backlog. Councilmembers are expected to make recommendations early next year on how to refine the process.

Nash apologized to businesses on Monday for the uncertainty created by the back-and-forth.

The ordinance was initially part of a broader push to curb illegal activity, which also included a ban on opaque windows at massage parlors. City leaders say they remain committed to rooting out crime while ensuring legitimate businesses can operate without unnecessary obstacles.