Massage operating requirements

Massage establishments are fixed, physical locations where practitioners offer massage. Owners and operators must have a General Massage Establishment or a Sole Practitioner Massage Establishment permit.

Massage establishments must:

• Be closed between 10pm and 8am
• Have restrooms and hand washing facilities with enough materials
• Have enough lighting (at least 108 lux or 10 foot candles)
• Not be used for residential purposes
• Not have too many personal items inside
• Have exterior doors stay unlocked while the establishment is open
• Have interior doors to massage rooms without locks
• Not have alcoholic beverages and drugs stored, consumed, or brought into the establishment
• Post human trafficking posters and information in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and other appropriate languages. You can get a poster at the Permit Center:
  49 South Van Ness Avenue

Read SF Health Code Article 29 to learn more about the requirements.

A massage practitioner is anyone who performs massage for pay.

Massage practitioners must:

• Have a Massage Therapy License from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) or the City
• Have a copy of the license with them
• Remain fully clothed
• Have a Business Registration Account through the Treasurer & Tax Collector if they are a private contractor