Apply to operate a massage establishment

Contact the Planning Department. If your location is not zoned for massage, you will need to find a new location. If you will be constructing a building or remodeling, you need a permit from the Department of Building Inspection.

Contact the Treasurer and Tax Collector to open a Business Registration account.

If your establishment has 2 or more practitioners, you need a General Establishment permit.

If you are the only practitioner, you need the Sole Practitioner permit. 2 people with their own Sole Practitioner permits can share a single space.

Write a check, cashier’s check, or money order to “San Francisco Department of Public Health”. Check the fee schedule for the exact amount.

Mail your application and fee to:
SFDPH - EHB (Massage Program)
49 South Van Ness Ave., Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94103

You can also pay with a credit card in person at the Permit Center:
49 South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd floor, Station # 83

If you do not have a Massage Therapist License from CAMTC, you need to complete the background check and clearance form. You will also need to pay a fee. Email sfpdpermits@sfgov.org or call 415-553-1115 to ask about the fee.

Email the form to sfpdpermits@sfgov.org. The Police Department will contact you to schedule an appointment to get finger printed. You will need to pay the fee in person.

The background check is valid for 3 months.

Check the fee schedule for the exact amount. Permits are valid for 1 year. You must pay your license fee each year to keep your permit valid.

If you need to change your mailing address, fill out the Change of Address Form and send it to EHmassage@sfdph.org.