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Massage operating requirements

What you need to know about performing massage or owning a massage business in San Francisco.

Establishments

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