Ordinance No. 09-2046 Massage Establishments & ServicesORDINANCI: N0.2046
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CUPERTINO AMENDING CHAPTER 9.06 OF THE
CUPERTINO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND SERVICES BY
REPLACING IT IN ITS ENTIRETY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO DOES HEREBY ORDAIN
THAT CHAPTER 9.06 OF THE CUPERTINO :MUNICIPAL CODE IS REPLACED IN ITS
ENTIRETY TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
CHAPTER 9.06: MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND SERVICES
9.06.010 Purpose of Provisions.
A. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of
massage therapists and massage establishments as defined in this chapter in the interest of public
health, safety and welfare by providing certain minimum qualifications for the operators of
massage establishments and massage therapists. It also is the purpose of this chapter to recognize
the voluntary statewide certification of massage th~:rapists and massage practitioners by the
Massage Therapy Organization (MTO). This chapter is adopted based on the following findings:
That the City has recognized the field of massage therapy as a viable professional field;
2. That the City wants to recognize and respect professional massage therapy organizations
and qualified professionals who operate consistent with the provisions of Chapter 10.5
(commencing with Section 4600)of Division 2 of the California Business and Professions Code;
3. The City also finds that the rules and regulations as developed in this chapter strive for
equality of all massage organizations and therapist; while attempting to prevent serious
objectionable characteristics which massage parlor establishments may have created in the past.
B. It is intended that massage therapy is a pr~~fession of the healing arts and subject to all
zoning ordinances and regulations as may be required for professional uses, consistent with and
not preempted by the requirements of Chapter 10.5 (commencing with Section 4600) of Division
2 of the California Business and Professions Code.
C. It is also intended that massage uses not regulated or exempted by this chapter or state
law are considered massage parlors thus regulated by the provisions in Chapter 19.104 regulating
adult-oriented commercial activities.
Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the Conte-xt clearly requires a different meaning, the
words are termed and phrased as set forth in this suction and shall have the meaning given them
in this section:
A. "Corporate massage" means any massage of the neck, arms, shoulders and back area above
the waist where the client is fully clothed and done without the use of supplementary aids, such
as rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, pov~~ders, creams, lotions, ointments, or other
similar preparations commonly used in this practice.
B. "License" means a license to operate a mass~ige establishment as required by this chapter.
C. "Managing employee" means any employee of a massage establishment who has been
designated by the holder of the massage establishrr~ent license to manage the business in his/her
absence. The managing employee may perform m;~ssages at the business only if he/she obtains
and maintains in effect an appropriate massage therapist permit or MTO certificate.
D. "Massage" means any method of pressure on or friction against or stroking, kneading,
rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating the external parts of the human body with
the hands, hot towels or with any mechanical or elf;ctrical apparatus or other appliances or
devices with or without such supplementary aides ;~s rubbing alcohol, liniment, antiseptic, oil,
powder, cream, lotion, ointment or other similar preparations; or by baths, not limited to vapor,
electric tub, mineral fomentation, or any other type of bath.
E. "Massage establishment" means any licensed establishment having a fixed place of business
where any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or a combination
of individuals engages in, conducts, carries on or permits to be engaged in, conducted or carried
on for consideration, massages or health treatment:; involving massage, including but not limited
to any hot tub/sauna, relaxation or tanning establislunent in which massage services are made
available to clients.
F. "Massage practitioner" includes "bodywork practitioner" and "massage and bodywork
practitioner" and means any person who is certified by the Massage Therapy Organization
pursuant to subdivision (b) of California Business ,end Professions Code Section 4601 or
subdivisions (a) or (c) of California Business and Professions Code Section 4604 and who
administers massages, baths or health treatments involving massages or baths as the principal
function to another person for any compensation whatsoever.
G. "Massage therapist" includes "bodyworker," "bodywork therapist," and "massage and
bodywork therapist" and means any person who ha.s been granted a permit pursuant to this
chapter or who is certified by the Massage Therap}~ Organization pursuant to subdivision (c) of
California Business and Professions Code Section 4601 and who administers massages, baths or
health treatments involving massages or baths as the principal function to another person for any
compensation whatsoever.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
H. "MTO Certificate" means the certificate issued by the Massage Therapy Organization to
massage therapists pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 4601 of the California Business and
Professions Code and to massage practitioners pur;~uant to subdivision (b) of Section 4601 or
subdivisions (a) or (c) of California Business and Professions Code Section 4604.
I. "Outcall massage service" means the engaging in or carrying on of massage for
consideration at a location other than a licensed m~issage establishment.
J. "Permit" means a permit to engage in activities of a massage therapist or massage
practitioner or a managing employee as required b~~ this chapter.
K. "Person" means any individual, firm, associ~ition, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or
combination of individuals.
L. "Recognized school of massage" means any school or institute of learning which teaches
the theory, ethics, history, practice, methods, profession or work of massage, and that is approved
by:
1. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary and- Vocational Education pursuant to former
Section 94739 of the California Education Code prior to July 1, 2007.
2. The Department of Consumer Affairs.
3. An institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and
Universities or the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges and that is one of the following: (a) a public institution; (b)
an institution incorporated and lawfully operating pis a nonprofit public benefit corporation
pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 5110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the California
Corporations Code, and that is not managed by an entity for profit; (c) afor-profit institution; (d)
An institution that does not meet all of the criteria in subdivision (b) herein, that is incorporated
and lawfully operating as a nonprofit public benefit corporation pursuant to Part 2 (commencing
with Section 5110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the (:alifornia Corporations Cod, that has been in
continuous operation since April 15, 1997,and that is not managed by any entity for profit.
4. A college or university of the state higher education system, as defined in California
Education Code Section 100850.
5. A school of equal or greater training that is approved by the corresponding agency in
another state or territory of the United States or accredited by an agency recognized by the United
States Department of Education.
Any school or institution of learning offering or allowing correspondence course credit not
requiring actual attendance at class, or courses of massage therapy not approved by the California
Department of Education shall not be deemed a recognized school of massage.
M. "Residential massage" means engaging in or carrying on of massage at a residence
where the client either owns or rents the residence.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.030 Exemptions.
A. A massage establishment license or mass~ige therapist permit or MTO certificate shall
not be required for the following persons while engaging in the performance of the duties of their
respective professions:
1. Physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, naturopaths or podiatrists who are duly
licensed to practice their respective professions in the State of California while performing
activities encompassed by such professional licenses;
2. Massage therapists or massage practitioners while performing massage in the offices of a
licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, naturopath or podiatrist and while under the
direct supervision and medical recommendation oi'such licensed medical professional;
3. Nurses (registered or licensed vocational), occupational therapists, or physical therapists
who are duly licensed to practice their professions in the State of California while performing
activities encompassed by such professional licenses;
4. Trainers of any amateur, semiprofessional or professional athlete or athletic team;
5. Barbers or cosmetologists who are duly licensed under Division 6 of the State of
California's Business and Professions Code performing a massage within the scope of the license
and for which no separate or increased prices are charged, provided such massage is limited to
the scalp, face, neck, arms, hands, lower limbs below the knee, ankles and feet;
6. State-licensed hospitals, nursing homes, sanitariums, physiotherapy establishments or
other state-licensed physical or mental health facilities and their employees;
7. Acupuncturists who are duly licensed to practice their professions in the State of
California while performing activities encompassed by such professional license. Any State-
licensed acupuncturist who provides massage services by any person not licensed as an
acupuncturist must obtain a massage establishmem: license as prescribed by this chapter.
8. Recognized schools of massage and their students in training, provided such students
provide massage therapy only to fellow students or volunteers while under the direct supervision
of an instructor;
9. Persons who possess a valid MTO certificate and who are practicing consistent with the
qualifications established by such certificate;
10. Massage business or establishments as defined under paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of
Section 4612 of the California Business and Profe~~sions Code, except that such businesses and
establishments shall not be exempt from the is chapter to the extent Section 4612 expressly
permits the regulation of such businesses or establishments by local ordinance.
B. Massages which are clearly incidental to the operation of a personal fitness training
center, gymnasium or health club or which are offered in conjunction with a hotel, may be
permitted through the use permit for those operations as required in Chapters 19.56 and 19.72 of
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
the Cupertino Municipal Code. A massage establi;~hment license is not required for the
aforementioned businesses. The massage therapist: or massage practitioner operating in this
category will however, be required to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
C. This chapter shall not apply to individuals administering massages or health treatment
involving a massage to persons participating in singular occurring recreational events provided
the following conditions are met.
Massage services are made equally availal;~le to all participants in the event;
2. The event is open to participation by the g~:neral public or significant segment of the
public such as employees of sponsoring or participating corporations;
3. The massage services are provided at the site of the event either during, immediately
preceding or immediately following the event;
4. The sponsors of the event have been advised of and have approved the provisions of
massage services;
5. The persons providing the massage services are not the primary sponsors of the event.
9.06.040 Massage Establishment License, Massage Therapist Permit and Managing
Employee Permit-required.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, condi.~ct or carry out in or upon any premises within
the City the operation of a massage establishment ~Nithout a massage establishment license
obtained from the City Manager. In addition to a City business license, a separate establishment
license shall be obtained for each separate massages establishment operated by such person. A
massage establishment license shall be issued to ar~y person who has complied with the
requirements of this chapter and all other applicable provisions of this code unless grounds for
denial of such license exist. The possession of a v,~lid massage establishment license does not
authorize the possessor to perform work for which a massage therapist permit or MTO certificate
is required. It is unlawful to operate, establish or maintain a massage establishment while the
license issued for such business has been suspended, revoked, or has expired. No additional
applications for licenses will be accepted for locations which are in the appeals process, until the
existing license has expired, has been revoked, or leas been surrendered by the applicant.
9.06.041 Massage Therapist Permit or MTO Certificate Required.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, condixct or carry out the duties of a massage
therapist or massage practitioner unless exempted ley Section 9.06.030, without first obtaining a
massage therapist permit or MTO certificate.
9.06.042 Managing Employee Permit Required.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, condi.~ct or carry out the duties of a managing
employee without first obtaining a managing empl~~yee permit.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.050 Massage Establishment License, Massaged Therapist Permits and Managing
Employee Permits-Application.
Any person desiring a license to operate a masss~ge establishment and/or a massage therapist
or massage practitioner who does not possess an M:TO certificate or a managing employee permit
shall submit an application to the City Manager. P~ithin sixty working days following receipt of
the completed application, the City Manager shall ~:ither issue the permit or mail a written
statement of the reasons for denial thereof by certified mail. When necessary, the City Manager
or his/her designee may extend the time in order to conduct a complete investigation. The
application shall set forth the exact nature of the massage, bath or health treatment to be
administered, and the location of the proposed place of business and facilities thereof. Each
applicant is required to furnish fingerprints for the purpose of establishing identification and/or
criminal record. In addition, each applicant shall fi.~rnish the following information:
1. The full name, including any nicknames or other names used presently or in the past, and
the present street address and phone number of the applicant's residence;
2. The previous address of the applicant for a period of three years immediately prior to the
date of the application and the dates of each reside~ice;
3. The applicant's date of birth;
4. The applicant's height, weight and color oi' eyes and hair;
5. License number and/or state identification number (if any) and Social Security number,
6. The applicant's two most recent employer:,, including their names, street addresses, cities
and phone numbers, and the position of the applicant;
7. The names, street addresses and phone numbers of any massage establishment or any
other business involving massage, relaxation, or other related business by which the applicant has
been employed within the past ten years, and the d~ites of employment;
8. Any criminal conviction on the part of the applicant for offenses other than traffic
violations within the ten years preceding the date of the application;
9. Whether the applicant has ever had a licen,~e, certificate, permit, or other authorization to
engage in the practice of massage or related business; whether the operation of a massage
establishment, or other business engaged in the practice of massage, was suspended or revoked
within the ten years preceding the date of the appli~~ation, and dates and reasons for any such
suspensions or revocations, and the name and location of the jurisdiction or agency which
suspended or revoked such license, certificate, perrnit or other authorization;
10. Whether the applicant, including applicant as a member of a corporation, business, or
partnership, has ever operated or been employed at any business that has been the subject of an
abatement proceeding under the California Red Lil;ht Abatement Act (California Penal Code
Sections 11225 through 11325) or any similar law:. in other jurisdictions. If the applicant has
previously worked at such a business, he/she should state on the application the name and
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
address of the business, the dates on which the applicant was employed at such business, the
name and location of the court in which the abatement action occurred, the applicable case
number, and the outcome of the abatement action;
11. If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall set forth the names and street
addresses of each general and limited partner,
12. If one or more partners are a corporation, the name of the corporation shall be set forth
exactly as shown in its articles of incorporation or ~~harter together with the state and date of
incorporation and the full legal names and street addresses of each of its current officers and
directors;
13. Whether the applicant has met the educational requirements set forth in this chapter
(except for cases involving applications for massa€;e establishments or managing employee
permits, when the applicant has filed a statement under penalty of perjury that he/she will not
personally give massages at the massage establishnnent);
14. Whether the applicant has previously applied to the City for a massage establishment
permit, managing employee permit, or massage the-rapist permit, the date of the application and
every name(s) under which the application was made;
15. In the case of an application for a massage establishment permit or managing employee
permit, the proposed name and street address of thc; massage establishment, together with the
name and street address of any other massage business operated or managed by the applicant,
within the ten years preceding the date of.the appli~~ation;
16. In the case of an application for a massage establishment license or managing employee
permit, whether the applicant intends to personally provide massage services at the business;
17. A statement under penalty of perjury that the applicant has not made any false,
misleading, or fraudulent statements or omissions of fact in his/her application or any other
documents required by the City to be submitted with the application;
18. The name and street address of the owner or renter and the lease holder of proposed
premises of which application is made;
19. Acknowledgment by the applicant that any information contained within the application
that may change during the validity of the permit or license will be provided to the City to
maintain current records;
20. Authorization for the City, its agents and employees, to seek information and conduct
an investigation into the truth of the statements set forth in the application and into the
background of the applicant and responsible manaling officer,
21. Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the City Manager.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.055 Massage Establishment License, Massage Therapist Permits and Managing
Employee Permits-Submittal of Documentation.
Applicants shall also submit the following information at the time of their application:
A. A copy of an acceptable form of picture identification such as a driver's license or state
identification card;
B. Two recent identical color photographs of the applicant (similar to passport
photographs);
C. Documentation to prove that the applicant has a lawful right to work in the United
States;
D. Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the City Manager,
E. In the case of an applicant for a massage therapist permit, a certificate from a physician,
which includes the physician's street address and f~hone number, and states that the applicant is
free from communicable diseases or other conditions which could interfere with his/her ability to
engage in the practice of massage, to the public, in a safe and healthful manner. Communicable
disease testing is required for hepatitis B and tuberculosis. The medical exam must have been
completed within sixty days of the permit application;
F. In the case of an applicant for a massage therapist permit, a diploma, certificate of
graduation, transcripts, or other written proof acceptable to the City Manager or his/her designee
that the applicant has met the educational requirements set forth in this chapter.
9.06.060 Massage Establishment License, Massage Therapist Permit and Managing
Employee Permit-Application Fee.
Any application for a license to operate a massage establishment and/or a massage therapist
permit and managing employee permit shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee, as
established by resolution of the City Council. The application fee shall be used to defray the cost
of investigation and report, and is not made in lieu of any other fees or taxes required by the
Cupertino Municipal Code. The application fee shall be paid at the time the application is
submitted.
9.06.065 Massage Establishment License, Massage Therapist Permit and Managing
Employee-Expiration and Renewal.
A massage establishment license, massage ther~~pist permit, and a managing employee permit
shall expire 365 days from date of issue and must lie renewed every year. A renewal fee will be
assessed for each permit being renewed. Applications for the renewal of establishment licenses
must be submitted to the City Manager or his/her designee no later than sixty days prior to the
expiration of such license or permit. There shall b.: no grace period for a massage establishment
license, massage therapist permit, or managing em~~loyee permit should the aforementioned be
allowed to expire.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.070 Massage Establishment License, Massage Therapist Permit and Managing
Employee-Grounds for Denial.
A massage establishment license may be denied. by the City Manager if one or more of the
following are found:
A. That the applicant made a material misstal:ement in the application for a license and/or
permit;
B. That the applicant or any officers or directors of the applicant has been convicted of:
1. An offense which requires registration pur;~uant to California Penal Code Section 290, or
a violation of Penal Code Sections 266(I), 311 through 311.7, 314, 315, 316, 318, 647(b) or (d),
or equivalent offenses under the laws of another jurisdiction, even if expunged pursuant to Penal
Code Section 1203.4;
2. A prior offense which involves violation of California Health and Safety Sections 11351,
11352, 11358 through 11363, 11378 through 11380, 11054, 11056, 11057, 11058, any other
violation(s) involving illegal possession for sale, oar sales of a controlled substance, or equivalent
offenses under the laws of another jurisdiction, even if expunged pursuant to Penal Code Section
1203.4;
3. Any offense involving the use of force or violence upon another person;
4. Any offense involving sexual misconduct ~,vith children;
5. Any offense involving theft.
C. That the operation of a massage establishment as proposed by the applicant, if permitted,
would not comply with all applicable laws including but not limited to all City ordinances and
regulations;
D. That the operation of the proposed massage establishment is likely to be a hindrance to
the health, safety, welfare or interest of the people of the City;
E. That the applicant is lacking in the backgr~~und qualifications to conduct a bona fide
massage establishment;
F. That the applicant has violated any provision of this chapter or any similar law, rule or
regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of massage establishments.
9.06.080 Massage Establishment Employees-Permit Requirements.
It is unlawful for any licensed massage establislunent or managing employee to allow any
person to perform massage, bath or health treatment for any compensation unless the person
holds a valid massage therapist permit or MTO certificate.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.110 Massage Therapist Permit-Criteria for Issuance.
A massage therapist permit shall be issued to a :person who meets the following criteria:
A. Is a member in good standing of a State oi• nationally chartered organization devoted to
the massage specialty and therapeutic approach; anal
B. Has completed one the following requirements:
1. Five hundred hours of instruction in a massage specialty and therapeutic approach at a
recognized school of massage;
2. Two hundred fifty hours of such instruction and an additional five hundred documented
hours of practical experience in a massage specialty and therapeutic approach in one or a
combination of the following:
a. A primary office of and under the direct supervision of a medical professional licensed
by the State of California, specifically a physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, physical
therapist or nurse, while such medical professional is performing activities encompassed by such
license and is physically on the premises where the massage therapy is being administered;
3. Has taken and successfully passed the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork or the National Certificati~~n Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine test module related to Asian Bodywork Therapy. The applicant must submit a current
certificate with the application to satisfy this criteria.
9.06.120 Massage Therapist Practical Examination.
The applicant shall take and pass a written test rind practical performance examination
administered through a medical practitioner approved by the City of Cupertino wherein the
applicant has been required to demonstrate a basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, hygiene
and massage. If the applicant fails the practical ex;~m, he/she shall be permitted to retake the
exam once, after at least thirty but no more than si~cty days have elapsed from the date of the first
exam, provided that the applicant pays the applicat~le exam fees for a second time. Should the
applicant fail the exam a second time, the application shall be denied, and the applicant shall not
be permitted to apply again for a massage therapist permit for a period of one year. Applicants,
who have taken and successfully passed the National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage and Bodywork or the National Certificati~~n Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine test module related to Asian Bodywork Therapy, shall be exempted from the Massage
Therapist Practical Examination. The applicant mast submit a current certificate with the
application to be exempt. This section does not apply to anyone possessing an MTO certificate.
9.06.160 Annual Medical Examination for Massage Therapist.
A. Any person who has been issued a massage therapist permit shall file with the City
Manager each year within sixty days of the anniversary date of the issuance of the permit an
updated certificate from a medical doctor stating that the permittee massage therapist has, within
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
sixty days immediately prior to the filing of the certificate, been examined and been found to be
free of any contagious or communicable disease set forth in Section 9.06.OSSE.
B. It is unlawful for any person who has neglected, failed, or refused to file a certificate
required by subsection A of this section to act as a massage therapist. Failure to submit the
required certificate shall be grounds for revocation of the permit.
C. Individuals who possess an MTO certific,~te are not subject to an annual medical
examination.
9.06.180 Outcall Massage Permit-Application.
An outcall massage permit may be issued only t:o aCupertino-licensed massage therapist or
person in possession of an MTO certificate. An af~plicant for an outcall massage permit must
provide a list of all businesses and residences where the applicant will be performing outcall
massage and must keep the City Manager, or his/her designee, advised in writing of changes to
said list.
9.06.190 Outcall Massage Permit-Criteria.
Outcall massage may be performed only under the following criteria:
A. Corporate.
1. The massage treatment shall consist of "corporate" massage only as defined in Section
9.06.020;
2. Outcall "corporate" massage clients shall lie owners and employees of the business at
which the massage therapist will be performing m~issage.
B. Residential.
1. Any resident may engage the services of a massage practitioner or massage therapist in
the resident's home.
9.06.193 Operating Requirements for Massage Establishments.
Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, all rr~assage establishments shall comply with the
following operating requirements:
A. Exterior Signs. A recognizable and legible sign shall be posted at the main entrance
identifying the business as a massage establishment. In addition, the sign shall comply with the
City sign ordinance.
B. Posting of Massage Establishment License, Massage Therapist Permit, Managing
Employee Permit and MTO Certificate. A copy of'the massage establishment license, massage
therapist permit(s), managing employee permit(s), and MTO certificate(s) shall be posted in a
conspicuous place in such a manner that it can easily be seen by persons entering the
establishment.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
C. Designation of Managing Employee. If the holder of the massage establishment license
does not personally manage the business during all hours of operation, he/she shall designate one
or more managing employee(s) who shall be in ch~~rge of the operation of the business during
his/her absence. If the managing employee(s) will personally provide massages at the business,
he/she must obtain a massage therapist permit or possess an MTO certificate.
D. Posting of Services Available and Fees. ~, list of all services available, the price thereof
and the length of time each service shall be performed, shall be posted or available in a
conspicuous place in such a manner that it can easily be seen by persons entering the
establishment. No other services, other than those posted, shall be provided.
E. Paymentltips. Payment for massage servi<es, and any tips, shall be paid for at the
designated reception area of the business establislvnent.
F. Alcohol Prohibited. No alcoholic beverages may be located on the premises of the
massage establishment while the business is open i:or the practice of massage.
G. Maintain Written Records. Every massage establishment shall keep a written record of
the date and hour of each service provided, the name and address of each patron and the service
received, and the name of the individual administering the service. Such records shall be open to
inspection only by officials of the City charged with enforcement of this chapter. These records
may not be used for any other purpose than as records of service provided and may not be
provided to other parties by the massage establishment or service unless otherwise required by
law. Such records shall be retained on the premises of the massage establishment for a period of
two years.
H. Standard of dress for massage establishme:nt employees. The holder of the massage
establishment permit, massage therapists, massage practitioners, managing employees, and all
other employees of the massage establishment shall remain fully clothed in clean outer garments
while on the premises of the massage establishment. At a minimum such clothing shall be made
of nontransparent material and shall not expose the: buttocks, genital area or breasts of any
employee or permit holder at any time.
I. Operating, Hours. No massage establishment shall be kept open for business and no
massage therapist or massage practitioner shall administer massages after the hour often p.m. or
before the hour of seven a.m. Operating hours ma;~ be further restricted by the City Manager
pursuant to Section 9.06.200.
J. Mirrors Prohibited. In general, mirrors are prohibited in rooms where massages are
performed; however, one full length or small mirror may be mounted vertically to the wall, not
less than twenty inches from the floor.
K. Lighting Required. Massage establishmerrts must be well-lighted at all times during
business hours. Rooms where massage services are provided must be adequately lighted when
occupied.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
9.06.196 Massage Establishment Sanitary Conditions-Condition of Premises.
A. Required Maintenance of Massage Establishment. All premises and facilities of the
massage establishment shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be
thoroughly cleaned after each day of operation. Tl^~e premises and facilities shall meet applicable
code requirements of the city, including but not limited to those related to the safety of structures,
adequacy of the plumbing, heating, ventilation, anti waterproofing of rooms in which showers,
water, or steam baths are used.
B. Linens. All massage establishments shall provide clean laundered sheets, towels, and
other linen in sufficient quantity for use by their clients. Such linens shall be laundered after
each use and stored in a sanitary manner. No comTnon use of linens or towels shall be permitted.
Heavy white paper may be substituted for sheets o~i massage tables, provided such paper is used
only once for each client and is then discarded into a sanitary receptacle. Containers shall be
provided for the storage of all soiled linens.
C. Privacy Standards for Massage Rooms, Dressing Rooms, and Restrooms. Dressing
rooms and restrooms may only be used by clients of the same sex at the same time. The massage
establishment shall provide doors for all dressing rooms, and massage rooms. Draw drapes,
curtain enclosures, or accordion-pleated enclosure:; are acceptable in lieu of doors for dressing
rooms and massage rooms.
9.06.198 Prohibited Acts.
A. Touching of Sexual and Genital Parts of Client During Massage. No holder of a
massage establishment license, massage therapist ~~ermit, MTO certificate, managing employee
permit, or any other employee of a massage establishment shall place either his/her hand or hands
upon, or touch with any part of his/her body, or wi1:h a mechanical device, a sexual or genital part
of any other person in the course of a massage, or massage a sexual or genital part of any other
person. Sexual and genital parts shall include the I;enitals, pubic area, anus, or perineum of any
person.
B. Uncovering and Exposure of Sexual and CTenital Parts of Client Before, During or After
Massage. No holder of a massage establishment li~~ense, massage therapist permit, MTO
certificate, managing employee permit, or any other employee of a massage establishment shall
uncover and expose the sexual or genital parts of a client or themselves while engaged in the
practice of massage, or before or after a massage. 'This subsection does not prohibit a client from
turning over in the course of a massage, provided the massage therapist holds a towel, sheet,
blanket, or other drape over the client to protect hi;;/her genital and sexual parts from exposure.
If the client exposes the genital area, the massage therapist or massage practitioner shall
immediately direct the client to cover him/herself. If the client refuses to comply, the massage
therapist or massage practitioner shall inform the client that no further massage will be provided
and the client will be asked to leave the premises. If the client refuses to leave the premises, the
massage therapist or massage practitioner must immediately leave the room and notify the
managing employee.
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
C. Outcall Massage Services. It is unlawful f-or any massage establishment or massage
therapist or massage practitioner to provide outcall massage services that are not in conformance
with the provisions of Section 9.06.190.
D. Transfer of Massage Establishment Licen:;e, Massage Therapist Permit and Managing
Employee Permit. No permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be transferred or assigned in
any matter, whether by authorization of law or otherwise, from any location to location or from
person to person, except that a person possessing a massage therapist permit, issued by the City,
shall be able to move from one employer to another without filing a new application or paying a
new fee, so long as the permit holder notifies the City Manager or his/her designee, in writing, of
the change in his/her employment within five business days of such change. Failure to make this
notification within five business days shall be grounds for suspension, revocation, or denial of
the permit.
9.06.200 Suspension or Revocation-Grounds.
Any license or permit issued under this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the City
Manager for any reason which would justify the re:Fusal to grant a license or permit originally.
9.06.210 Suspension or Revocation-Notice-Hearing.
The holder of the license or permit shall be given prompt notice of revocation or suspension
of the license or permit and shall immediately desi:~t from engaging in the activity. The notice
shall fix a time and place, not less than five or more than thirty days after service thereof, at
which time the holder of the license or permit may appear before the City Manager and be
granted a hearing upon the merits of such suspensi~~n or revocation. If after such hearing the
license or permit is ordered revoked, the holder shill have the right to appeal such action to the
City Council in accordance with Section 9.06.220 ~~f this chapter.
9.06.220 Appeals.
Any person whose license or permit has been d<;nied, suspended or revoked may appeal the
administrative decision of the City Manager, or de:;ignated representative, by filing a written
notice of appeal with the City Clerk within five bu:~iness days after receipt of notice of the
decision. Such appeal shall be heard by the City Council, which may affirm, amend or reverse
the order, or take other action deemed appropriate. The Clerk shall give written notice of the
time and place of the hearing to the appellant and a.ny other person requesting notice. In
conducting the hearing, the City Council shall not lie limited by the technical rules of evidence.
Any person requesting an appeal shall pay a nonrefundable fee set forth in the City fee schedule
at the time of filing the appeal.
9.06.230 Inspection by Officials-Premises.
Any and all investigating officials of the City small have the right to enter massage
establishments from time to time during regular business hours to make reasonable inspections to
observe and enforce compliance with building, fire, electrical, plumbing or health regulations,
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
and to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this chapter. A warrant shall be obtained
whenever required by law.
9.06.240 Violation-Public Nuisance.
Violation of any provisions of this chapter constitutes a public nuisance which may be abated
pursuant to Chapter 1.09 of the Cupertino Municipal Code.
9.06.250 Violation-Penalty.
Any person who violates the provisions of this ~:hapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and
upon conviction thereof shall be punished as provided in Chapter 1.12 of the Cupertino
Municipal Code.
9.06.260 Continuing Violations-Alternative Remedies.
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the City Council from directing the City
Attorney to commence civil action to enjoin the continued violation of any provisions of this
chapter or to abate a nuisance, as an alternative, or in conjunction with any other civil or criminal
proceedings provided for herein.
Publication Clause
The City Clerk shall cause this ordinance tc- be published at least once in a newspaper of
general circulation published and circulated in the City within 15 days after its adoption, in
accordance with Government Code Section 36933, shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance
and shall cause this ordinance and her certification,, together with proof of publication, to be
entered in the Book of Ordinances of the Council of this City.
INTRODUCED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino the 7th
day of July 2009 and ENACTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Cupertino the 21st day of July 2009, by the following vote:
PASSED:
Vote: Members of the City Council
Ayes: Mahoney, Sandoval, Santoro, Wang, Wong
Noes: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
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Ordinance No. 09-2046
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED
;' ~~~~
C~
Mayor
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