Massage Businesses

Massage Establishment

Los Altos Municipal Code section Chapter 4.20 - Massage Businesses outlines rules and regulations pertaining to owning and operating a massage establishment in Los Altos.  

  • In enacting these regulations the city council recognizes that massage is a viable professional field offering the public valuable health and therapeutic services. 

  • It is the purpose and intent of the city council that the operation of massage establishments, massage practitioners, managing employee and persons offering massage be regulated in the interests of public health, safety, and welfare by providing minimum building sanitation and health standards and to ensure that persons offering massage shall possess the minimum qualifications necessary to operate such businesses and to perform such services offered. 

  • It is the intent of this chapter to enact regulations to insure that those offering massage services are qualified and trained and can be expected to conduct their work in a lawful and professional manner. The city council finds that existing controls have not satisfactorily addressed or regulated serious police problems and regulated the profession so as to discourage the use of the profession for objectionable and illegal purposes.

Exemptions: The requirement for a Massage Establishment Permit shall not apply if your profession is listed under Los Altos Municipal Code section Chapter 4.20.030 - Exemptions. If you are a qualified Sole Provider, with a state certificate either as a Certified Massage Practitioner or a Certified Massage Therapist, you are considered exempt.

SOLE PROVIDER QUALIFICATION INFORMATION

Los Altos Municipal Code Section Chapter 4.20.020 - Definitions defines Sole provider as a massage business where the owner owns one hundred (100) percent of the business, is the only person who provides massage for compensation at or for that business, and has no other employees, independent contractors or rent-space massage therapists.

Qualified Sole Providers are required to fill out the Sole Provider Qualification Form and file a copy of their current (valid) massage practitioner or therapist certification and identification card issued by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) with the Chief of Police. Once the qualifications are met, the Chief of Police or designee, will provide the Sole Provider proof to show the city of Los Altos - Business License Division for issuance of the Business License pursuant to Chapter 4.04 - Business Licenses Generally of this code.

MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT INFORMATION

This ordinance requires all vested owners and managing employee of the massage establishment to submit an application which includes the following:

  1. Submit Live Scan fingerprints using the BCIA 8016 form (skip this step if you are CAMTC certified). The BCIA 8016 form is included in the Massage Establishment Application packet. Here are locations that conduct applicant live scan fingerprinting nearby, contact them to schedule your appointment. All Live Scan fees are paid for by the applicant. If possible, retain a copy of the BCIA 8016 form with the ATI# or note the date and location where live scan completed.  The live scan results take about 3-5 days and will be sent directly to the Los Altos Police Department.
  2. Next, fill out the Massage Establishment Application and make a copy of each required document listed below:
    1. California Drivers License or Identification card
    2. Live Scan BCIA 8016 form with ATI# or note the date and location where the live scan was completed (click here for live scan locations)
    3. Full color photograph (2 inches x 2 inches) of the applicant
    4. California Massage Therapy Council Card (if applies)
    5. California Massage Therapy Council Certificate (if applies)
    6. Name/Address of property owner; copy of lease agreement if the applicant is not the legal owner of the property
    7. Notarized letter w/owner acknowledgment that Massage Establishment will be on his/her property
    8. Proof of Malpractice Insurance in sum of not less than $100,000 per licensed Massage Therapist, or to be licensed, at the Massage Establishment up to a maximum of $500,000; this can be satisfied by malpractice insurance being provide in the name of individual Massage Therapist or establishment
    9. Documents proving the applicant is a corporation/limited liability company, et al -OR- documents proving the applicant is a partnership or limited partnership etc. The City is interested in all parties financially vested in the business and require the names and home addresses of each of them.
  3. Once you have your application and copies of your supplementary material, visit the Los Altos Police Department - Records office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday). At this time, you will be required to pay the Massage Establishment application fee and submit your paperwork. Note: The application fee is non-refundable and due when you turn in your application.
  4. The Police Chief shall grant or deny the application for a Massage Establishment Permit within thirty (30) calendar days of the applicant's submission of the application and all required supplementary material. When necessary to conduct a complete investigation of an application, the Police Chief may extend this time to a maximum of sixty (60) calendar days. Granting of a permit requires the Massage Establishment to be in compliance with Title 14 of this Code – Proof of Malpractice Insurance. 
  5. Upon completion of investigation, the applicant will be notified of the Police Chief's decision. 
  6. Once approved, you will be given proof to show the city of Los Altos - Business License Division for issuance of the Business License pursuant to Chapter 4.04 - Business License Generally of this code.

If you have any questions, Code Enforcement may be contacted by email CodeEnforcement@losaltosca.gov or by phone (650) 947-2775. 

Informational Resources 

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