Chapter 4.54 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS

In enacting this chapter, the City Council recognizes that massage therapy is a professional pursuit which can offer the public valuable health and therapeutic services, but that unless properly regulated, the practice of massage therapy and the operation of massage businesses may be associated with unlawful activity and pose a threat to the quality of life in the local community. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of offices and establishments providing massage therapy services, and to prevent and discourage the misuse of massage therapy as a front for human trafficking, prostitution, and related activities in violation of state law, all in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, by providing certain minimum building, sanitation, and operation standards for such businesses, and by requiring certain minimum qualifications for the operators and practitioners of such businesses. It is the further intent of this chapter to streamline local massage therapy permitting procedures, while still facilitating and advancing the ethical practice of massage therapy, by relying upon the uniform statewide regulations enacted by the Legislature in 2008 as Business and Professions Code Sections 4600 et seq., known as the Massage Therapy Act, as subsequently amended, and by restricting the commercial practice of massage in the city to those persons duly certified to practice by the California Massage Therapy Council formed pursuant to those statutes.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

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 that are given them in this section:

"Authorized massage professional" means a massage professional who is identified in a permit issued pursuant to this chapter as a person employed or retained by a massage establishment to practice massage.

"California massage therapy council" or "CAMTC" means the massage therapy organization formed pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.

"CAMTC-certified massage professional" means any individual currently certified by the California Massage Therapy Council as a massage therapist or massage practitioner pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.

"Compensation" means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit, exchange, or gift of money or anything of value.

"Department" means the Chief of the Palo Alto Police Department or designee charged with the administration of this chapter.

"Inspector" means the person or persons designated by the city to conduct any inspections required or permitted under this chapter.

"Massage," "massage therapy," and/or "bodywork" for purposes of this chapter mean the skillful application of touch, including but not limited to, pressure, stroking, kneading, compression on or movement of the external surfaces of the body by a practitioner to produce increased awareness, relaxation, pain relief, injury rehabilitation, or neuromuscular reeducation.

"Massage establishment" means any business that offers massage therapy, baths or health treatments including, but not limited to, aromatherapy, vapor, shower, electric tub, sponge, hot towels, mineral fermentation, sauna, steam or any other type of bath, involving massages or baths in exchange for compensation. Home-based massage businesses and businesses that provide mobile massage services are also considered to be massage establishments. For purposes of this chapter, the term "massage establishment" may be applied to include establishments which offer or advertise themselves as providing "relaxation" or "tanning" where the essential nature of the interaction between the employee and the customer involves "massage" as defined herein. The terms, names or phrases listed on business license or fictitious name application forms are not necessarily conclusive as to the nature of the business.

"Owner" or "massage establishment owner" means any of the following persons:

(1) The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship operating a massage establishment.

(2) Any general partner of a general or limited partnership that owns a massage establishment.

(3) Any person who has a ten percent or greater ownership interest in a corporation that owns a massage establishment.

(4) Any person who is a member of a limited liability company that owns a massage establishment.

(5) All owners of any other type of business association that owns a massage establishment.

"Operator" or "massage establishment operator" means any person who is an owner or manager of a massage establishment.

"Mobile massage service" means the engaging in or carrying on of massage therapy for compensation at locations other than a massage establishment at a fixed location.

"Patron" means an individual on the premises of a massage establishment for the purpose of receiving massage therapy.

"Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, joint venture, limited liability company, or combination of individuals.

"Reception and waiting area" means an area immediately inside the main entry door of the massage establishment dedicated to the reception and waiting of patrons or visitors of the massage establishment and which is not a massage therapy room or otherwise used for the provision of massage therapy services.

"School of massage" means any school or institution of learning that is recognized as an approved school pursuant to Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 10.5 (known as the Massage Therapy Act), as may be amended.

"Sole proprietorship" means a massage establishment where the owner owns one hundred percent of the business and has one or no other employees or independent contractors.

"Visitor" means any individual not retained or employed by the massage establishment and not receiving or waiting to receive massage therapy services, but excluding law enforcement personnel or governmental officials performing governmental business.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any business registration and business tax requirements imposed pursuant to PAMC Chapters

The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any permits or authorizations that may be required under other applicable laws including but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning, and health regulations.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

This chapter shall not apply to the following classes of individuals while engaged in the performance of the duties of their respective professions:

(a) Physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses, acupuncturists or any other person licensed to practice any healing art under the provisions of Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions Code when engaging in such practice within the scope of his or her license. This subsection (a) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.

(b) Trainers of any amateur, semi-professional, or professional athlete or athletic team, so long as such persons do not practice massage therapy as their primary occupation at any location where they provide such services in the city.

(c) Barbers, estheticians, and cosmetologists who are duly licensed under the laws of the State of California, while engaging in practices within the scope of their licenses. This subsection (c) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.

(d) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons participating in single occurrence athletic, recreational, or educational events such as road races, track meets, triathlons, educational events, or conferences, provided that the event is open to the public or to a significant segment of the public such as employees of sponsoring or participating corporations, and the massage services are provided at the site of the event during, immediately preceding, or immediately following the event.

(e) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons at a state-licensed "general acute care hospital" or other "health facilities" as defined by California Health and Safety Code section 1250 when employed or contracted at the direction of the hospital or health facility.

(f) Somatic practitioners who use no physical touch of any kind at any time in their practice.

(g) Enrolled students of a school of massage when they are performing massage within the city as part of a formal supervised internship or training program operated by the school, without compensation other than school credit, on the premises of a massage establishment duly authorized to operate pursuant to the terms of this chapter; and provided that the operator of the massage establishment has first notified the Department in writing of the name, residence address, and school of the students and the dates of the trainings.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

It is unlawful for any individual to practice massage therapy for compensation within the city unless that individual is a CAMTC-certified massage professional.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment within the city without first obtaining a massage establishment permit from the Department.

(b) It is unlawful for a massage establishment operator to employ or retain any person to practice massage therapy for compensation, or to allow any person to perform massage therapy for compensation on the premises of a massage establishment, unless that person is a CAMTC-certified massage professional and unless that person is identified as an authorized massage professional on the permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, a massage establishment operator "employs or retains" a person to practice massage therapy for compensation when:

(1)  That person is a directly paid employee of the massage establishment; or

(2)  That person's association with a massage establishment is that of an independent contractor who receives compensation for massage

therapy provided to patrons of the massage establishment; or

(3)  That person receives a referral of patrons from the massage establishment and, at any time before or after the referral, arranges in any way

for compensation to flow to the massage establishment operator.

(c) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to operate under any name or conduct business under any designation not specified in the massage establishment permit issued pursuant to this chapter.

(d) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to continue to operate following the sale or transfer of any interest in the massage establishment to a person who was not identified as an owner in the massage establishment permit application.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

The owners of the massage establishment shall file an application for a permit on a form provided by the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the city's fee schedule. The application shall include the following information:

(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the massage establishment.

(b) The name, residence address and telephone number, and business address and telephone number of each owner of the massage establishment.

(c) The form of business under which the applicant will be conducting the massage establishment, i.e., corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, or other form. If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation shall be set forth exactly as shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the names and residence addresses of each of its officers, directors, and each shareholder holding more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation. If the applicant is a general or limited partnership, the application shall set forth the name and residence address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate applicant shall apply. If the applicant is a limited liability company, the application shall set forth the name and residence address of each of the members. If one or more of the members is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a partnership, limited liability company, or corporate applicant shall apply, as applicable.

(d) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the real property upon, in, or from which the certified massage establishment is to be operated. In the event the applicant is not the legal owner of the property, the application shall be accompanied by a copy of any written lease between the applicant and the property owner authorizing use of the premises for a massage establishment, or, alternatively, if there is no written lease, then a written, notarized acknowledgment from the property owner that the property owner has been advised that a massage establishment will be operated by the applicant upon, in, or from the property owner's property.

(e) If the massage establishment will be located on a property in a residential or commercial condominium or other common interest development, the applicant shall submit a notarized statement from the homeowner's association or condominium owner's association acknowledging that the association has been advised that a massage establishment will be operated by the applicant and that such use of the property is allowed by the property's covenants, codes, and restrictions. This requirement is in addition to any applicable zoning code requirements or regulations.

(f) A description of the proposed massage establishment, including the type of treatments to be administered.

(g) The name of each individual who the massage establishment employs or retains to perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage establishment premises.

(h) The name of each individual who is regularly employed or retained by the massage establishment to perform services on the premises other than massage therapy, and the nature of their services.

(i) For each individual who the massage establishment does or will employ or retain to perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage establishment premises, a copy of that individual's current certification from the CAMTC as a certified massage practitioner or certified massage therapist, and a copy of his or her current CAMTC-issued identification card.

(j) For each owner of the massage establishment who is a CAMTC-certified massage professional, a copy of his or her current certification from the CAMTC as a certified massage practitioner or as a certified massage therapist and a copy of his or her current CAMTC-issued identification card.

(k) For each owner of the massage establishment who is not a CAMTC-certified massage professional, the following information:

(1)  Whether any owner of the massage establishment has within the five years immediately preceding the date of application been convicted of

any felony in any state.

(2)  Whether any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to register under the provisions of Section 290 of the California

Penal Code.

(3) The business, occupation, and employment history of each owner of the massage establishment for five years preceding the date of

application, and the inclusive dates of same.

(l) One set of fingerprints, and any required fee for such fingerprinting shall be paid by the applicant.

(m) Whether any certificate, license or permit has ever been issued to the applicant by any jurisdiction under the provisions of any ordinance or statute governing massage or somatic practice, and as to any such certificate, license or permit, the name and address of the issuing authority, the effective dates of such certificate, license or permit, whether such certificate, license or permit was ever suspended, revoked, withdrawn, or denied; and copies of any documentary materials relating to such suspension, revocation, withdrawal, or denial.

(n) Such other information as may be required by the permit authority to determine compliance with any other eligibility requirements for issuance of the permit as specified by federal, state, or local law.

(o) A statement that within the last five years the applicant has not failed to comply with a final court order or administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal, state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for filing an appeal has passed.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) The Department shall issue a massage establishment permit if the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and no grounds for denial exist under Section 4.54.110. The Department may impose conditions on the permit consistent with this chapter and applicable law.

(b) Notice to Property Owner. If the applicant is not the record owner of the property where the massage establishment is located, the Department may send a written notice to the property owner advising of the issuance of the permit and of the regulations applicable to the massage establishment. The Department may also provide the property owner with copies of any other notices or communications with the applicant sent at any time before or after issuance of the permit.

(c) Term. A massage establishment permit issued pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall be valid for a term of one year from the date of issuance, and, unless suspended or revoked, must be renewed by the massage establishment operator annually so long as the massage establishment is operating within the city.

(d) Insurance. Insurance coverage is a condition of receiving a permit and proof of such coverage is required. Unless specified otherwise by Department regulation, proof of liability insurance, or the equivalent, for not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per massage therapist licensed, or to be licensed, at the massage establishment up to a maximum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) shall be required by the time of permit issuance. This requirement can be satisfied by insurance provided in the name of a massage therapist or the massage establishment. Coverage must be maintained for the entirety of the permit period. The Department may establish regulations governing insurance requirements that do not conflict with this section.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

The Department may deny an application for a massage establishment permit on any of the following grounds:

(a) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

(b) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with any applicable law, including, but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning, and health regulations or regulations under the CAMTC.

(c) The applicant has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the application for a massage establishment permit.

(d) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the date of filing of the application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any offense that relates directly to the operation of a massage establishment whether as a massage establishment owner or operator or as a person practicing massage for compensation, or as an employee of either; or has at any time been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any felony the commission of which occurred on the premises of a massage establishment.

(e) Any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to register under the provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.

(f) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any violation of Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b) of the California Penal Code, or conspiracy or attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a jurisdiction outside of the State of California that is the equivalent of any of the aforesaid offenses.

(g) Any owner of the massage establishment has been subjected to a permanent injunction against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to Sections 11225 through 11235 of the California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in a jurisdiction outside the State of California.

(h) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application, and as established by clear and convincing evidence, has engaged in acts prohibited under California Penal Code Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b).

(i) Any owner of the massage establishment is an individual who has not attained the age of eighteen years.

(j) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the date of filing of the application, has had a certificate, permit or license to practice massage for compensation or to own and/or operate a massage establishment revoked or denied in any jurisdiction, including CAMTC.

(k) Any owner of the massage establishment currently owns or operates a massage establishment in the city of Palo Alto that is not in good standing due to the existence of uncorrected violations or unpaid fines or fees.

(l) Within the last five years, the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal, state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for filing an appeal has passed.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) If an application for a massage establishment permit is denied, the Department shall give written notice to the applicant specifying the grounds for denial.

(b) The applicant may appeal the decision to deny a massage establishment permit by filing a written notice of appeal with the Department within fifteen days after deposit of the decision in the mail, specifying in detail the grounds for such appeal.

(c) The City Clerk shall set a time and place for the hearing on the appeal not less than thirty days after the date the appeal was received by the Department, and shall give written notice by mail to the applicant of the date, time, and place for the hearing. The hearing may be conducted virtually or by phone at the discretion of the City. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.180.

(d) After the hearing on the appeal, the City's hearing officer may refer the matter back to the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of the Department, or may direct the Department to issue the license. The decision of the hearing officer or designee upon such appeal shall be final and shall be subject to judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of Civil Procedure

(a) Within 14 days of a change of the information provided in the application for a certified massage establishment on file with the City, the operator shall file an application to amend the permit to reflect such change. An application to amend a massage establishment permit shall be made by submitting an application on a form provided by the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the city's fee schedule.

(b) The application shall not be approved unless the Department determines that the terms of the amended permit comply with all requirements of this chapter and all other local, state, and federal laws, and the massage establishment has no outstanding violations or unpaid citations or fees. Inspection of the massage establishment may be required prior to approval of the amendment.

(c) An amendment shall not be used to change the location or owners of a massage establishment. Instead, a new permit application is required.

(d) A denial of an application to amend a massage establishment permit may be appealed in the same manner as a denial of an application for a permit under Section 4.54.120.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) Operational Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the following operational requirements shall be

applicable to all massage establishments located within the city:

(1) No massage establishment shall be kept open for business between the hours of ten p.m. of one day and eight a.m. of the following day. A

massage begun any time before ten p.m. must nevertheless terminate at ten p.m. This restriction does not apply to the use of hot tubs at a massage establishment that also has hot tubs in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56, but must follow any other applicable law or condition of permit as to hours of operation.

  (A)  After ten years of continuous operation, a massage establishment may be exempted from the hours restrictions of this section by the

Department upon a written request which details the factual reasons supporting good cause for the exemption. The Department, in determining what constitutes good cause for this exemption from the hours restrictions, shall consider and weight the following factors: (i) ongoing compliance with this Chapter including updated review of permit requirements; (ii) the impact which the massage establishment has had on the health, safety, and welfare of the local community, including, but not limited to, parking and traffic congestion; and (iii) the massage establishment's compliance or noncompliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, this municipal code. If, upon review of those factors, the Department determines that good cause does exist for the requested exemption, the Department may then exempt the massage establishment from the hours restrictions of this section. However, in no event shall any massage end later than midnight or begin earlier than six a.m. If the Department denies an application for an exemption under this subsection (A), the massage establishment may appeal under the process in PAMC section 4.54.120. The Department may revoke an exemption issued under this subsection (A) for the reasons stated in PAMC section4.54.170 and such revocation is subject to hearing under PAMC section 4.54.180.

(2) The hours of operation of the massage establishment shall be displayed in a conspicuous public place in the reception and waiting area and

in any front window clearly visible from outside of the massage establishment.

(3)  Patrons and visitors shall be permitted in the massage establishment only during the hours of operation.

(4)  During the hours of operation, patrons shall be permitted in massage therapy rooms only if at least one duly authorized certified massage

professional is present on the premises of the massage establishment. Patrons shall not be permitted in any employee break room on the premises.

(5)  During the hours of operation, visitors shall not be permitted in massage therapy rooms except as follows:

  (A) The parents or guardian of a patron who is a minor child may be present in the massage therapy room with that minor child;

(B) The minor child of a patron may be present in the massage therapy room with the patron when necessary for the supervision of the child; or

 (C) The conservator, aid, or other caretaker of a patron who is elderly or disabled may be present in the massage therapy room with that

elderly or disabled person.

(6)  During the hours of operation, except as otherwise provided herein, no visitors shall be permitted in massage therapy rooms, break rooms,

dressing rooms, showers, or any other room or part of the massage establishment premises other than the reception and waiting area or toilet rooms.

(7)  Except for a patron who is inside a massage therapy room for the purpose of receiving a massage, no patrons or visitors shall be permitted

in or on the massage establishment premises at any time who are less than fully clothed in outer garments of non-transparent material, or who display or expose themselves in underclothing or similar intimate apparel.

(8) A list of massage services available and the cost of such services shall be posted in an open and conspicuous public place on the

premises. The massage services shall be described in English and may also be described in such other languages as may be convenient. No massage establishment operator shall permit, and no person employed or retained by the massage establishment shall offer to perform any massage services or request or demand fees other than those posted.

(9) The massage establishment shall keep on the premises a complete and current roster of all owners, operators, and managing employees of

the massage establishment and all massage professionals and other persons employed or retained by the massage establishment. The roster shall include the name, residence address, and phone number of each individual. The roster shall be available for inspection by city officials charged with the enforcement of this chapter.

(b) Physical Facility and Building and Fire Code Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the following physical facility and building code requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments located within the city:

(1)  Main entry door and reception and waiting area required. One or more main entry door shall be provided for patron entry to the massage

establishment, which shall open to an interior patron reception and waiting area immediately. All patrons and any persons other than individuals employed or retained by the massage establishment shall be required to enter and exit through the main entry door(s). Unless the massage establishment is a sole proprietorship or a home occupation with one or no other employees, the main entry door shall be unlocked at all times during business hours.

(2) No massage establishment located in a building or structure with exterior windows fronting a public street, highway, walkway, or parking

area shall block visibility into the interior reception and waiting area through the use of curtains, closed blinds, tints, or any other material that obstructs, blurs, or unreasonably darkens the view into the premises.

(3) All interior doors, including massage therapy rooms or cubicles (but excluding individual dressing rooms, showers, and toilet rooms, storage/equipment rooms, offices for staff only, and rooms for hot tubs at massage establishments that are also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56) shall be incapable of being locked and shall not be blocked to prevent opening. Draw drapes, curtain enclosures, or accordion-pleated closures in lieu of doors are acceptable on all inner massage therapy rooms or cubicles.

(4) Minimum lighting equivalent to at least one forty-watt light shall be provided in each massage therapy room or cubicle.

(5) A massage table or professional massage chair specifically designed for seated massage shall be used for all massage therapy, with the

exception of "Thai," "Shiatsu," and similar forms of massage therapy, which may be provided on a padded mat on the floor, provided the patron is fully attired in loose clothing, pajamas, scrubs, or similar style of garment. Massage tables shall have a minimum height of eighteen inches.

(6)  Beds, floor mattresses, and waterbeds are not permitted on the premises of the massage establishment, and no massage establishment

shall be used for residential or sleeping purposes, which may be shown by circumstantial evidence such as the presence of bedding, pillows, sleeping bags, suitcases, clothing, toiletries or other personal belongings, cooking appliances, utensils or food in excess of a business establishment's normal requirements. A massage establishment that is also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56 may have beds or floor mattresses only in rooms used for hot tubs and shall not be used for massage or residential purposes.

(7)  All locker facilities that are provided for the use of patrons shall be fully secured for the protection of the patrons' valuables, and each patron

shall be given control of the key or other means of access.

(8) The massage establishment shall comply with all applicable state and local building and fire codes as adopted in Title 16 of this code.

(9) Any signage referring to the massage establishment located on or adjacent to the building housing the massage establishment must match the business name that is listed on the massage establishment permit. A massage establishment shall not have signage that refers to another business name.

(c) Health and Safety Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the following health and safety requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments located within the city:

(1) The massage establishment shall at all times be equipped with an adequate supply of clean sanitary towels, coverings, and linens. Massage table or chair shall be covered with a fresh, clean sheet or other clean covering appropriate to the equipment for each patron, just before the client arrives. After a towel, covering, or linen has been used once, it shall be deposited in a closed receptacle and not used again until properly laundered and sanitized. Towels, coverings, and linens shall be laundered either by regular commercial laundering, or by a noncommercial laundering process that includes immersion in water at least one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit for not less than fifteen minutes during the washing or rinsing operation. Clean towels, coverings, and linens shall be stored in closed, clean cabinets when not in use. A certified massage professional engaged in the practice of mobile massage shall carry a sufficient quantity of clean and sanitary towels, sheets, and linens to comply with the requirements.

(2)  All massage therapy rooms or cubicles, wet and dry heat rooms, toilet rooms, shower compartments, hot tubs, and pools shall be

thoroughly cleaned and disinfected as needed, and at least once each business day when the premises has been or will be open and such facilities in use. All bathtubs shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.

(3)  All liquids, creams, or other preparations used on or made available to patrons shall be kept in clean and closed containers. Powders may

be kept in clean shakers. All bottles and containers shall be distinctly and correctly labeled to disclose their contents. When only a portion of a liquid, cream, or other preparation is to be used on or made available to a patron, it shall be removed from the container in such a way as not to contaminate the remaining portion.

(4) No invasive procedures shall be performed on any patron. Invasive procedures include, but are not limited to:

  (A)  Application of electricity that contracts the muscle;

  (B)  Penetration of the skin by metal needles;

 (C)  Abrasion of the skin below the nonliving, epidermal layers;

 (D) Removal of skin by means of any razor-edged instrument or other device or tool;

  (E) Use of any needle-like instrument for the purpose of extracting skin blemishes; and

  (F)  Other similar procedures.

(5)  All bathrobes, bathing suits, and/or other garments that are provided for the use of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by

more than one patron, or shall be laundered after each use pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this section.

(6)  All combs, brushes, and/or other personal items of grooming or hygiene that are provided for the use of patrons shall be either fully

disposable and not used by more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected after each use.

(7) All massage establishments must provide patrons with slip-resistant sandals or flip-flops to wear while in the shower compartment. All footwear such as sandals or flip-flops that are provided for the use of patrons either shall be fully disposable and not used by more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected after each use.

(8)  Patrons' genitals and female patrons' breasts must be fully draped at all times while any individual employed or retained by the massage

establishment is in the massage room or cubicle with the patron. No massage shall be provided to a patron that results in intentional contact, or occasional and repetitive contact, with the genitals or anal region of a patron.

(9) No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, or furnished to any patron; nor shall any alcoholic beverages be kept or possessed on the

premises of a massage establishment. A massage establishment that is also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with PAMC Ch. 4.56 is not subject to this limitation for non-massage areas of the establishment, but must adhere to all other applicable laws, including any applicable zoning code provisions and California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control requirements.

(d) Attire and Physical Hygiene Requirements. The following attire and physical hygiene requirements shall be applicable to all employees and any other persons who work permanently or temporarily on the premises of a massage establishment within the city, including, but not limited to, all persons who are employed or retained to practice massage for the massage establishment:

(1) No person shall dress in:

  (A)  Attire that is transparent, see-through, or substantially exposes the person's undergarments;

  (b) Swim attire, unless providing a water-based massage modality approved by the CAMTC; or

 (C) A manner that exposes the person's chest, breasts, buttocks, or genitals.

(2) No massage establishment operator, employee, or visitor shall, while on the premises of a massage establishment or while performing any

mobile massage service, and while in the presence of any patron, customer, employee or visitor, expose his or her chest, breast, buttocks, or genitals.

(3)  All persons shall thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water or any equally effective cleansing agent immediately before providing

massage to a patron. No massage shall be provided upon a surface of the skin or scalp of a patron where such skin is inflamed, broken (e.g., abraded or cut), or where a skin infection or eruption is present.

(e) Display of Permit and Certifications.

(1) The massage establishment permit shall be displayed in an open and conspicuous place on the premises visible from the main entry door

and/or reception and waiting area of the massage establishment.

(2) Each person employed or retained by a massage establishment to perform massage in or on the premises or through a mobile massage service shall display on his or her person the valid current photograph-bearing identification card issued to that employee by the CAMTC. A copy of each such identification card and the person's original CAMTC certificate shall also be displayed in an open and conspicuous place visible from the main entry door and/or reception and waiting area of the massage establishment. The home address of any employee need not be displayed. If a massage establishment has more than 25 massage therapists and can demonstrate to the Department it is not reasonably practical to display a copy of each identification card and original CAMTC certificate as required above, then the massage establishment may request from the Department an alternative method of displaying copies of identification cards and CAMTC certificates. Such alternatives may only be approved in writing and shall comply with any applicable state law requirements.

(f) Display of Human Trafficking Notices. The massage establishment shall comply with the requirements in California Civil Code Section 52.6 related to the posting of information for victims of human trafficking.

(g) Home Occupation and Mobile-Only Businesses—Exemptions.

(1) Where a certified massage establishment is a home occupation, and the operator has complied with the provisions of Section18.42.010 of

this code pertaining to home occupations, the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (b)(1)—(3), and (b)(6) of this section shall not apply, and the portions of the residence subject to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall be only those portions that are used at any time by the patron of the massage establishment.

(2)  For massage establishments that provide mobile-only services and have no fixed location for performing massage, provisions of this section

related to businesses with fixed locations shall not apply. Specifically, the provisions of subsections (a)(2)—(9), (b)(1)—(4), (b)(6)—(8), (c)(2) and (7), (e)(1), and (f) of this section shall not apply to mobile-only establishments.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) As a condition of the massage establishment permit, investigating officials of the Department shall have the right to enter any massage establishment, other than an establishment providing mobile only services, during regular business hours, to make reasonable inspection to ascertain whether there is compliance with the provisions of this chapter. For home occupations, reasonable inspection shall be limited to the portions of the residence open to patrons.

(b) The massage establishment operator shall take immediate action to correct each violation noted by the inspector. A reinspection will be performed to ensure that each violation noted by the inspector has been corrected.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

All massage establishment operators shall be deemed to know and understand the requirements and prohibitions of this chapter. Any massage establishment permit issued pursuant to this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Department after a hearing, where the Department finds that any of the following have occurred on even a single occasion:

(a) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has violated any provision of this chapter.

(b) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of having violated, or has engaged in conduct constituting a violation of, any of the following: California Penal Code Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b), or conspiracy or attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a jurisdiction outside of the State of California that is the equivalent of any of the aforesaid offenses.

(c) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment is required to register under Section 290 of the California Penal Code.

(d) The permittee has been subject to a permanent injunction against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to this code, or Sections 11225 through 11235 of the California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in any jurisdiction outside the State of California.

(e) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has engaged in fraud or misrepresentation or has knowingly made a misstatement of material fact while working in or for the massage establishment as it pertains to the massage establishment.

(f) The permittee has continued to operate the massage establishment after the massage establishment permit has been suspended.

(g) Massage has been performed on the premises of the massage establishment, with or without the permittee's actual knowledge, by any person who is not a duly authorized CAMTC-certified massage professional.

(h) A person who is not a duly authorized CAMTC-certified massage professional has provided mobile massage services through or on behalf of the massage establishment.

(i) There have been one or more acts prohibited under California Penal Code Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, or 647(b), taking place on the premises of the massage establishment, whether or not any criminal prosecution has been pursued or conviction obtained for such acts, and whether or not they occurred with or without the actual knowledge of the permittee.

(j) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment or any other person on the premises of the massage establishment has engaged in conduct or committed acts that a reasonable person in the patron's position would understand as an offer to perform on or engage in with the patron acts that are sexual in nature or that involve touching of the patron's genitals, or anal region.

permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment or any other person on the premises of the massage establishment has engaged in conduct or committed acts that a reasonable person in the patron's position would understand as an offer to perform on or engage in with the patron acts that are sexual in nature or that involve touching of the patron's genitals, or anal region.

(k) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has engaged in sexually suggestive advertising related to massage services available at the massage establishment, including, but not limited to displaying photographs of individuals clothed in swim attire, or attire that is transparent, see-through or substantially exposes the individual's undergarments, breasts, buttocks, or genitals, describing massage services as "erotic," "sensual" or similarly sexual in nature, listing advertisements in any media (including online) intended for adults only, or describing the appearance or age of massage providers.

(l) If the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal, state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for filing an appeal has passed. In addition, any disciplinary action taken by CAMTC shall be considered in determining grounds for revocation, suspension or non-renewal.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) The Department shall give written notice of a hearing for the revocation or suspension of any permit granted pursuant to this chapter to the permittee. The notice shall set forth the time and place of the hearing, the ground or grounds upon which the hearing is based, the pertinent code sections, and a brief statement of the factual issues in support thereof. The notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to the permittee at the last known address of the permittee, or it shall be delivered to the permittee personally, at least ten days prior to the hearing date.

(b) Within ten days of the hearing the Department shall render its decision in writing, stating its findings and the action taken, if any. The decision letter shall be mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to the permittee at the last known address of the permittee, or it shall be delivered to the permittee personally.

(c) Within ten days from the deposit of the decision letter in the mail or its receipt by the permittee, whichever occurs first, the permittee may appeal the decision in writing to the city manager or designee, setting forth with particularity the ground or grounds for the appeal.

(d) The hearing officer shall give written notice of the hearing on the appeal not less than ten days from the date the appeal was received by the city. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.190.

(e) After the hearing on the appeal, the hearing officer or designee may refer the matter back to the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of the Department, may dismiss the disciplinary action, or may revoke or suspend the permit. The decision of the hearing officer upon such appeal shall be final and shall be subject to judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.

(f) The notices provided to the massage establishment pursuant to this section may also be sent to the owner of the premises where the massage establishment is located. However, failure to provide notice to the property owner shall not invalidate any actions taken by the city.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

The following rules shall apply to any hearing required by this chapter. All parties involved shall have the right to offer testimonial, documentary, and tangible evidence bearing on the issues, to be represented by counsel, and to confront and cross-examine witnesses. Any relevant evidence may be admitted if it is the sort of evidence upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs. Any hearing under this chapter may be continued for a reasonable time for the convenience of a party or witness.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

Any massage establishment operated, conducted, or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be, and the same is hereby declared to be, unlawful and a public nuisance, and the city attorney may, in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action hereunder, commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings, for the abatement, removal and enjoinment thereof, in the manner provided by law. Such remedies shall be in addition to any other judicial and administrative penalties and remedies available to the city under this code or under state law.

(a) For the purpose of enforcing the requirements of this chapter, all owners and operators of the massage establishment shall be jointly and severally responsible for the conduct of all massage establishment employees, agents, independent contractors, or other representatives while such persons are on the premises of the massage establishment or providing mobile massage services on behalf of the massage establishment.

(b) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage establishment permit may be suspended or revoked as provided in Sections 4.54.170 and 4.54.180. Upon issuance of a final order by the Department or Hearing Officer to revoke the massage permit, the massage establishment shall immediately cease operation, and, if so ordered by the hearing officer, no other massage establishment shall be permitted to operate at that location by any person for a period of not less than five years ("the moratorium period"). If the operator is not also the legal owner of the real property on which the massage establishment is situated, notice of such revocation and the five-year prohibition shall be provided by the permit authority to the owner of record of the property as shown on the latest county assessment roll.

(c) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage establishment permit may not be renewed or amended unless and until all due and unpaid citations issued pursuant to this chapter are paid in full, and all outstanding violations have been corrected.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, where a Notice of Revocation or Suspension has been issued to the operator of a massage establishment pursuant to Section 4.54.180 of this chapter, the Department shall not process or grant an application for a massage establishment permit for a new massage establishment at the same premises unless and until such Notice of Revocation or Suspension is dismissed; or a final determination is made pursuant to that section that the current operator's massage establishment permit is not or should not be revoked; or any moratorium period imposed pursuant to this chapter has expired.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)

(a) Violations. Upon a finding by the City that a business has violated any provision of this chapter, the City may issue an administrative citation and/or compliance order resulting in administrative fines pursuant to PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16.

(b) Separate Violations. Each violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a separate violation. Each client to whom massage is provided or offered in violation of this chapter shall also constitute a separate violation. Each day upon which a massage business remains open for business in violation of this chapter shall also constitute a separate violation.

(c) Outstanding Fines. All outstanding penalties resulting from administrative citations and/or compliance orders must be paid prior to the issuance or renewal of any registration.

(d) Appeals. Appeals of administrative citations and compliance orders may be made pursuant to the appeal procedures in PAMC Chapters1.12 and 1.16, respectively.

(Ord. 5693 § 2 (part), 2026)