Massage Establishment

Massage Establishment

• Permit Requirements and Fees
• Checklist for Massage Establishment/Massage Therapist Permit (pdf)
• Massage Service Definitions and Permit Exemptions
• Massage Establishment - Property Owner Acknowledgement (pdf)
• Massage Operator's/Outcall Permit Application (pdf)
• Massage Establishment Application/Therapist Registration (pdf)

APPLICATION AND PERMIT INFORMATION

• Operating a business requires a Massage Operator’s Permit.
• Giving a massage requires a Massage Therapist Permit
  • A person may own/operate a Massage establishment without having a permit to give massage.
  • "Outcall" is simply a form of business. It requires an Operator’s Permit. It means, simply, the business does not maintain an "establishment" where massage is given.
  • Every person who maintains premises where massage is given is operating a Massage Establishment and must have and display a valid Operator’s Permit.
  • A Massage Therapist working for an "Outcall" business must give the massage either in licensed premises or at the customer’s home or business.
  • If an Establishment is owned/operated by a partnership, all partners must be on the permit. If an Establishment is owned by a corporation, all officers of the corporation must be on the application.

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN MASSAGE SERVICE PERMIT:

1. An applicant for a “Massage Operator’s Permit” (establishment) and/or “Outcall Massage Service Permit” must FIRST check with the Planning Division for zoning conformance and/or clearance.
   
   
2. Applicant must then check for requirements from the Building Department.
3. Schedule an appointment with the Police Department to be fingerprinted.
   
   
4. Submit completed Massage Operator’s Permit/Outcall Massage Service Application and Massage Personal Information Sheet to Police Department. Include copies of training certificates, proof of malpractice insurance, and proof of membership in a certified massage association. The application fee and DOJ processing fee will be due at this time.
   
   
5. Upon receipt of a satisfactorily completed application and required fee, you will be contacted once you have successfully passed a criminal history background check. No City or Police permits will be issued until a criminal history clearance is received.
   
   
6. Applicants for a “Massage Operator’s Permit” (establishment) will be referred to: The applicant will be required to obtain a Building Inspection if there has been a change in occupancy use or construction/remodeling of the facility. The applicant is responsible for requesting inspections and obtaining these approvals. The Police Department will provide a facility inspection for Municipal Code compliance.

7. Take all approved and signed documents to the Police Department. Once you pay the Massage Permit fee and have a photo taken for the identification badge, you will receive your Massage Services Permit.
   
   
8. Take all approved and signed documents to the Planning Division to obtain a City Business License.
   
   
9. An applicant who is employed by a licensed/permitted establishment will need police clearance only to obtain a “Massage Therapist Permit.” No further City permits or inspections are necessary.

If you are unable to download or are having trouble submitting forms online, please contact police@sanramon.ca.gov. Thank you.