HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 2005-3025
ORDINANCE NO. 3025
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
CHULA VISTA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.36
PERTAINING TO MASSAGE PARLORS
WHEREAS, a recent review of the City of Chula Vista ordinance relating to Massage
Parlors has shown that some practitioners are being licensed in Chula Vista after being denied a
license or having their license revoked in other cities throughout California. Some massage
business practices are also unregulated in the City of Chula Vista; and,
WHEREAS, the City Clerk set the time and place for a public hearing on said
amendment to Title 5, Chapter 5.36 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code relating to Massage
Parlors and notice of said hearing, together with its purpose, was given by its publication in a
newspaper of general circulation in the City at least ten days prior to the hearing; and,
WHEREAS, the hearing was held at the time and place as advertised, namely October II,
2005 at 6:00 PM, in the Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, before the City Council and said
hearing was thereafter closed.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby ordain as
follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 5.36 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code is hereby amended to
read as shown in Exhibit "A".
:;2LHf
Richard P. Emerson
Chief of Police
Approved as to form by
('^ ~~
Ann Moore
City Attorney
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 2
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista,
California, this 25th day of October, 2005, by the following vote:
AYES:
Councilmembers:
Castaneda, McCann, Rindone and Padilla
NAYS:
Councilmembers:
None
ABSENT:
Councilmembers:
Davis
Stephen C. Padilla, Mayor
ATTEST:
---~~f'-~~
Susan Bigelow, MMC, City Cle
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
CITY OF CHULA VISTA )
I, Susan Bigelow, City Clerk of Chula Vista, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Ordinance No. 3025 had its first reading at a regular meeting held on the 11 th day of October,
2005 and its second reading and adoption at a regular meeting of said City Council held on the
25th day of October 2005.
Executed this 25th day of October 2005.
~.LL6-A-~~
Susan Bigelow, MMC, City Clerk
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 3
Sections:
5.36.0 I 0
5.36.020
5.36.030
5.36.035
5.36.040
5.36.050
5.36.060
5.36.070
5.36.075
5.36.080
5.36.081
5.36.085
5.36.090
5.36.095
5.36.100
5.36.105
5.36.11 0
5.36.115
5.36.120
5.36.125
5.36.130
5.36.135
5.36.140
5.36.145
5.36.150
5.36.155
5.36.160
5.36.170
5.36.175
5.36.180
5.36.190
5.36.200
5.36.205
5.36.210
5.36.220
5.36.230
5.36.235
5.36.240
5.36.245
5.36.250
5.36.260
5.36.270
5.36.280
5.36.290
EXHIBIT A
MASSAGE PARLORS AND HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER BUSINESSES
Title for citation
Purpose and intent of provisions
Definitions
Repealed
Rules of construction of provisions-Liability-Scope-Cornpliance required
License-Required
Tech Die ian- Perm it - Req u ired
Exceptions to applicability
Massage and Holistic Health Estahlishment Permit and Posting Requirements; Name Tags
Massage and Holistic Health Establishment Hours and Services
Repealed
Massage and Holistic Health Establishments Patron's Specified Anatomical Areas
Covered~ No Touching
Plumbing and Electrical Requirements for Massage and Holistic Healtb Establishments
Permit and Posting Requirements for Off-Premise Massage and Holistic Health Business;
Name Tags
Equipment and Cleanliness Requirements for Off-Premise Massage and Holistic Health
Off-Premise Massage and Holistic Health Appointment Requirements
Massage Tecbnician and Holistic Health Practitioner-Operating Requirements
Massage Establishment, Holistic Health Establishment, Massage Therapist, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Off-premise Massage Business, Holistic Health Business Advertising
Requirements
Corporate Officers and Partners Deemed Applicants
Designation of Responsible Managing Officer, Signature on Applications
County Health Department Inspection and Investigation Required Before Issuing Massage
or Holistic Health Establishment Permit
License-Application-Investigation fee required
License Tax Required-Rate
T echn ician-Perm it - A P pi ica tion-I nvestigation fee
License or permit-Application-Contents required
Grounds for Denial of Massage Establisbment Perm iI, Holistic Healtb Establishment
Permit, Off-Premise Business Permit, Massage Therapist Permit, Holistic Health
Practitioner Permit
Renewal of Massage Therapist or Holistic Health Practitioner Permit
Equipment and Cleanliness Requirements for Massage and Holistic Health
Establisbment
Facilities-Required generally
License or permit-Issuance prerequisites-Appeal of denial-Transferability
Name of business
Change of location-Fee required
Sale or transfer of business-Effect-Fec for transfer of interest
Employment of persons not possessing permits prohibited
Records of treatment to be kept-Confidentiality required-Disclosure deemed
misdemeanor-Penalty
Inspection required four times per year
Off-premises massages-Permitted when
Applicabilit), of provisions
License or permit-Grounds for suspension or revocation
License or permit-Suspension, revocation or denial-Public hearing
Repealed
Repealed
Repealed
Hearing-Decision of determination
Repealed
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 4
5.36.300
5.36.310
5.36.320
5.36.325
5.36.330
5.36.340
Repealed
Repealed
Repealed
Unlawful operation declared nuisance
Violation-Penalty
Operative Date - Grandfather Clause
5.36.010 Title for citation
This chapter may be cited as the "Chula Vista massage and holistic health practitioner establishment
ordinance." (Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.30)
5.36.020 Purpose and intent of provisions
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to establish appropriate rules and regulations for the conduct of
massage and holistic health practitioner businesses within the city, said rules and regulations providing for the
proper training and qualifications of massage technicians and holistic health practitioners, the requirements of
certain facilities and the physical layout for massage and holistic health practitioner establishments and the manner
in which said businesses may be conducted as necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare.
The massage and holistic health business is declared to be a business subject to police and health regulations in the
interests of protecting the patrons of such establishments. (Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.31)
5.36.030 Definitions
Whenever in this article the following words or phrases are used, they shall mean:
A. "City" means the city of Chula Vista, a municipal corporation in the state of California;
B. "Health department" means the department of public health services of the county of San Diego when the city
department is enforcing the terms of this chapter;
C. "License" means the business license to operate a massage establishment required by this code;
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 or other parts of the
body, with or without the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or with or without
supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments or
other similar preparations commonly used in this practice.
E. "Massage establishment" means an establishment having a fixed place of business where any person engages
in, conducts, carries on or permits to be engaged in, conducted or carried on any business where massages, as
defined in this chapter, or other similar procedures are given or administered;
F. "Massage technician" or "technician" means any person, male or female, who gives or administers to another
person, for any form of consideration, a "massage" or bath as those words are defined in this chapter;
G. "Permit" means the permit to engage in the activities ofa massage technician required by this chapter;
H. "Person" means a natural person, fiml, co-partnership, association or corporation.
I. "Holistic Health Practitioner" means a non-medical health care therapist who uses 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 or other parts of the body, with or without the aid of any mechanical
or electrical apparatus or appliances, rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powders, creams lotions
ointments or other similar substances; and who claims exemption from police regulation as a massage
therapist pursuant to this Division and who present to the police chief proof of satisfactory completion of
1,000 hours of instruction in such specialty or therapeutic approach at a school with a State approved
curriculum and proof of membership in a State or nationally chartered organization devoted to the specialty or
therapeutic approach. The practice of such health care therapists, in addition to massage therapy, must
include nutritional assistance, exercise programs and counseling that is directed toward health care.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 5
J. "Holistic Health Practitioner business" means any' business that is owned and operated by one or more
holistic health practitioners and that hires or contracts with other holistic health practitioners or massage
therapists for the purpose of non-medical care.
K. dNCBTMB" means the National Certification Board from Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
L. "NCCAOM" means the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
M. "Off-premise massage therapist" means any person who provides massage services by appointment at a
location other than premises licensed as a massage establishment. It includes massage therapists who provide
off-premise massage services and who are self-employed and/or who contract with or work for a business
other than a massage establishment.
N. ""State approved school" means any school or institution within the United States, which is approved
state in which it resides, for the teaching massage.
by the
J. "Specified Anatomical Areas" shall mean pubic region, human genitals, perineum, anus and the areola and
nipple of the female breast.
(Ord 2408 'I (part). 1990; Ord 2307 'I (part). 1989: Ord 2256 '2 1988: Ord 1312 '2 (part). 1970: prior code
, 9.33)
5.36.035 Holistic health practitioner - Refundable fee - Repealed
5.36.040 Rules of construction of provisions-Liability-Scope-Compliance required
This chapter shall be construed liberally in order to effectuate its purposes. Unless otherwise specifically
prescribed in this chapter, the following provisions shall govern its interpretation and construction:
A. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural
number include the singular number and words in the singular number include the plural number.
B. Time is of the essence in this chapter. No license or permit holder shall be relieved of his obligation to
comply promptly with any provision of this chapter by any failure of city to enforce prompt compliance with
any of its provisions.
C. Any right or power conferred or duty imposed upon any officer, employee, department or board of city is
subject to transfer by operation of la\\.,' to any other officer, employee, department or board of city.
D. No license or permit holder shall have any recourse whatsoever against city for any loss, cost, expense or
damage arising out of any provision or requirement of this chapter or the enforcement thereof.
E. This chapter does not relieve any license or penn it holder or of any requirement of the city Charter or of any
ordinance, rule, regulation or specification of city.
F. No license or pemlit holder possessing such a license or permit as of the effective date of this chapter shall be
relieved of his obligation to comply fully with the provisions of this chapter within the reasonable time
established herein.
(Ord 13 I 2 '2 (part). 1970: prior code' 9.32)
5.36.050 License-Required
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, carI)' on or permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried
on in or upon any premises within the city a massage establishment or holistic health practitioner business without
the license required by this chapter. Any person desiring to engage in off-premise massage must obtain an off
premise massage business permit. (Ord 13 I 2 '2 (part). 1970; prior code" 9.34)
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 6
5.36.060 Technician-Permit-Required
It is unlawful for any person to act as a massage technician or holistic health practitioner without the permit
required by this chapter. (Ord 1312 '2 (part). 1970; prior code' 9.35)
5.36.070 Exceptions to applicability
The requirements of Section 5.36.050 et seq. shall have no application and no effect upon and shall not be
construed as applying to any persons designated as follows: Physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath,
acupuncturist, aesthetician, barber, cosmetologist, exercise physiologist, manicurist, occupational therapist, physical
therapist, hair stylist. or any registered or licensed vocational nurse working under the supervision of a physician,
surgeon, chiropractor, or osteopath duly licensed to practice their respective professions in the state, nor shall the
requirements of Section 5.36.050 et seq. apply to any treatment administered in good faith in the course of the
practice of any healing art or profession by any person licensed to practice any such art or profession under the
Business and Professions Code of the state or of any other law of this state. All individuals who use a massage
specialty and therapeutic approach in caring for clients while under the "control and direction" of the exempted
classes of individuals as listed above, must have a valid massage technician or holistic health practitioner permit and
comply with the requirements of this chapter. Practical nurses or other persons without qualifications as massage
technicians, holistic health practitioners, or other persons not otherwise licensed by the state to practice pursuant to
the Medical Practice Act. whether employed by physicians, surgeons, chiropractors or osteopaths or not, may not
give massages or massage procedures.
For the purpose of this section any individual using massage specialty and therapeutic approach in caring for
clients is considered under the "control and direction" of an exempt class individual only when a member of that
exempt class is physically present on the establishment premises where the massage is being administered. (Ord
2307 '2, 1989; Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.36)
5.36.075 Massage and Holistic Health Establishment Permit and Posting Requirements; Name Tags
A. The massage or holistic health establishment business penn it. public health pennit. and a copy of the permit
of each massage therapist and holistic health practitioner working in the establishment shall be displayed in
an open and conspicuous public place on the premises.
B. Each massage therapist and holistic health practitioner must wear a nametag on their outermost garment when
working in the establishment. The nametag must contain the therapist or practitioner's name as it appears on
the police penn it.
C. It is unlawful for any Massage or Holistic Health Establishment to employ or permit any person to act as a
massage therapist or holistic health practitioner who does not possess a valid massage therapist or holistic
health practitioner permit.
5.36.080
Massage and Holistic Health Establishment Hours and Services
A It is unlawful for any responsible person to allow the establishment to be open between the hours of 10:00
p.m. and 6:00 a.m. All customers, patrons and visitors must be excluded from the premises during those
hours.
B. A list of services available and the cost of such services shall be posted in an open and conspicuous public
place on the premises. The services shall be described in readily understandable language. No services other
than those posted are allowed.
5.36.085
Massage and Holistic Health Establishments Patron's Specified Anatomical Areas Covered, No
Touching
A. Each establishment shall provide to all patrons clean, sanitary and opaque coverings capable of covering the
patron's specified anatomical areas. No common use of such covering shall be permitted, and reuse is
prohibited unless the covering has been laundered after each use. In addition, no responsible person shall
permit a massage to be given unless the patron is covered by the covering provided by the establishment.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 7
B. No responsible person shall permit any person in any area within the massage establishment, which is used by
the patrons or which can be viewed by patrons from such an area. unless the person's specified anatomical
areas are fully covered. This subsection docs not apply to momentary nudity, occurring in bathrooms, shower
areas, or dressing or locker rooms.
C. No pennittee shall give a massage in any room with a patron unless the patron's specified anatomical areas
are fuJly covered with an opaque covering.
D. No responsible person shall penn it any person to massage, or intentionally touch the specified anatomical
areas of another person.
E. No permittee shall massage or intentionally touch the specified anatomical areas of another person.
F. The responsible person and penninee shall insure that patrons are advised of this section prior to treatment.
The advisal may be
a. Posted as a documents in the room where the massage is conducted, or
b. Contained in patron intake documents or
c. Posted in any manner approved by the Chief of Police. The advisal may paraphrase the language
of this section so long as such language is approved by the Chief of Police. Language quoting
these sections need not be pre-approved by the Chief of Police.
5.36.090
Plumbing and Electrical Requirements for Massage and Holistic Health Establishments
All plumbing and electrical installations in massage and holistic health establishments must be installed under
permit and inspection by the Building Inspection Department and such installations shall be installed in accordance
with the Uniform Building Code and the Unifonn Plumbing Code as adopted by this Code.
5.36.095
Permit and Posting Requirements for Off-Premise Massage and Holistic Health Business; Name
Tags
A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in off-premise massage or holistic health services who IS not In
possession of a valid off-premise massage or holistic health business pennit.
B. The off-premise massage and holistic health business permit must be displayed in an open and conspicuous
place on the licensed business premises.
C. Each permittee must wear a name tag on their outermost garment when providing off-premise massage or
holistic health services. The name tag must contain the therapist or practitioner's name as it appears on the
Police permit.
5.36.100
Equipment and Cleanliness Requirements for Off-Premise Massage and Holistic Health
Each penninee shall provide to all patrons clean. sanitary and opaque coverings capable of covering the
patron's specified anatomical areas. No common use of such covering shall be pennitted, and reuse is prohibited
unless the covering has been laundered after each use. In addition, no pemittee shall give a massage unless the
patron is covered by the covering provided by the pennittee.
5.36.] 05
Off-Premise Massage and Holistic Health Appointment Requirements
A. Any massage conducted in a place not open to public vie,"' must be by appointment only.
B. An off-premise massage technician or holistic health practitioner may perform massage without appointment
if the massage is conducted in a public place open to view of the public such as in an airport, shopping center
kiosk or salon, or at events such as marathons and street fairs.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 8
5.36.110 Massage Technician and Holistic Health Practitioner- Operating Requirements
A. No massage technician or holistic health practitioner, while perfonning any task or service associated with the
massage or holistic health business, shall be present in any room with another person unless the person's
specified anatomical areas are fully covered.
B. No responsible person shall permit and no massage technician or holistic health practitioner shall be on the
premises of a massage or holistic health establishment during its hours of operation while performing or
available to perform any task or service associated with the operation of a massage business, unless the
massage technician is fully coveredrrom a point not to exceed four (4) inches above the center of the kneecap
to the base ofthe neck, excluding the arms, with the following exceptions: shorts may be worn so long as they
extend down the leg a minimum of three (3) inches from the crotch and the body above that point is fully
covered to the base of the neck, excluding the arms. The covering, which includes trousers, pants or shorts,
will be of opaque material and will be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
C. No massage technician or holistic health practitioner, while performing any task or service associated with the
business of massage, shall massage or intentionally touch the specified anatomical areas of another person.
D. Each massage technician or holistic health practitioner must wear a name tag when working as a massage
technician or holistic health practitioner. The name tag must contain the technician or practitioner's name as it
appears on the police permit.
E. It is unlawful for any massage technician or holistic health practitioner to use towels, linens or instruments
during the massage that are not in a clean or in a safe condition.
F. It is unlawful for any massage technician or holistic health practitioner to provide massage services between
10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
G. The permittee shall insure that patrons are advised of Section 5.36.080, prior to treatmenl. The advisal may be
(I) posted as a document in the room where the massage is conducted, or (2) contained in patron intake
documents; or (3) posted in any other manner approved by the Chief of Police. The advisal may paraphrase
the language of Section 5.36.080. so long as such language is approved by the Chief of Police. Language
quoting these sections need not be pre-approved by the Chief of Police.
H. Any off-premise massage or holistic health business permittee who hires. dispatches or contracts with other
off-premise massage technicians or holistic health practitioners to do off-premise massage is responsible for
ensuring that those technicians or practitioners comply with all applicable regulations in this Section. The
permittee must also make reasonable efforts to prevent criminal activity by the other technicians or
practitioners. In addition to all other grounds, prostitution by such technicians or practitioners is grounds for
revoking the permit.
I. The sale or serving of food or beverage or the conducting of non-massage business or non-holistic health
business is prohibited.
5.36,115
Massage Establishment, Holistic Health Establishment, Massage Therapist, Holistic Health
Practitioner, Off-premise Massage Business, Holistic Health Business Advertising
Requirements
A. Each technician. practitioner. establishment. or business licensed under this Section shall include the number
of their police permit in any advertisement of services appearing in any newspaper, telephone directory,
printed advertising medium, or electronic media. The reference does not have to contain the words "police
permit." "City of Chula Vista permit number 1] 11," or similar language, will suffice so long as the correct
police permit number is included.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 9
B. Advertising hours other than those allovved in this Section is grounds for regulatory action against the
permittee. This subsection is regulatory only.
C. In addition to any criminal penalty, a violation of Business and Professions Code section 17500 (false or
misleading statements) is grounds for regulatory action against the permittee.
(Ord 2307 '3. 1989)
5.36.1 20
Corporate Officers and Partners Deemed Applicants
Each corporate officer or partner of a massage or holistic health establishment is deemed an applicant for a
massage or holistic health permit and each must provide the information required in Section 5.36.150.
5.36.125
Designation of Responsible Managing Officer, Signature on Applications
An applicant that is a corporation or partnership shall designate one of its officers or general partners to act as
its responsible managing officer. The responsible managing officer may complete and sign all applications on
behalf of the corporate officers and partners.
5.36.130
County Health Department Inspection and Investigation Required Before Issuing Massage or
Holistic Health Establishment Permit
A. In addition to the requirements of Section 5.36.150, any persons desiring to operate a massage or holistic
health establishment shall make an application to the County of San Diego, Department of Health Services,
for a health penn it. An annual non-refundable fee. the exact amount of which shall be detennined and kept
on record by the County Department of Health Services. shall accompany the submission of each application
to the Department of Health Services to defray the cost of investigation, inspection, and enforcement of the
health aspects of this Section.
B. Any massage or holistic health establishment permittee failing to renew a health permit within thirty days after
its expiration shall be assessed a ] 0 percent penalty for each month of failure to renew. This penalty shall be
added to the cost of the renewal of the health permit fee. The entire sum shall be paid to the Department of
Hea]th Services. ]n no case shall the penalty exceed 60 percent of the renewal fee. The penalty imposed by
this Section, whether or not the penalty is paid, shall not prevent imposition of any other penalties prescribed
by this Chapter or prevent prosecution for violation of this Chapter.
5.36.135 License-Application-Investigation ree required
Any person desiring to obtain a license to operate a massage or holistic health establishment shall make an
application to the city manager. A nonrefundable required fee(s) to cover the cost of an investigation, shall
accompany the submission of each application. The fee required by this section shall not be required for an
application to renew a license granted pursuant to this chapter; provided however, any establishment licensed prior
to the effective date of this chapter which was not subject to investigation and report by the chief of police shall be
required to pay said fee and said investigation shall be undertaken at the time a license renewal is requested. Said
application fee shall be in addition to any license, permit or fee required under any provisions of this code. (Ord
2506 ' I (part). ] 992; Ord 2408 ' I (part). 1990; Ord 1312 '2 (part). ] 970; prior code' 9.37)
5.36.140 License tax required-Rate
Every person operating a massage or holistic health establishment shall pay a license tax in an amount as
presently designated. or as may in the fnture be amended. in the Master Tax Schedule. Section 5.36.081. (Ord 2408
, 1 (part). 1990)
Ordinance No. 3025
Page I 0
5.36.145 Technician-Perm it-Application-I nvestigation Cee
Any person desiring to obtain a pernlit to act as a massage technician or holistic health practitioner shall make
an application to the city manager. A nonrefundable required fcc(s), shall accompany the submission of each
application to cover the costs of the investigation. A pemit to act as a massage technician or holistic health
practitioner does not authorize the operation of a massage or holistic health establishment. Any person obtaining a
pennit to act as a massage technician or holistic health practitioner \vho desires to operate a massage establishment
must separately apply for a license therefore. A person who applies for a license to operate a massage or holistic
health establishment and who desires to act as a massage technician or holistic health practitioner within said
massage or holistic health establishment who pays the Cees and taxes required by Section 5.36.080 and 5.36.081 of
this chapter shall not be required to pay the ree required by this section. (Ord 2506 ' 1 (part), J 992; Ord 2408 'I
(part). J 990; Ord 1312 '2 (part). 1970; prior code' 9.38)
5.36.150 License or permit-Application-Contents required
Any applicant for a license or permit under this chapter shall submit the following information:
A. The Cull name and any other names ever used by the applicant.
B. The current residential address and telephone number of the applicant. The previous addresses of applicant. if
any, for a period of five years immediately prior to the date of the application and the dates of residence at
each;
C. The address of the proposed massage establishment or holistic health practitioner business.
D. Written proof thai the applicant is over the age of twenty-one years;
E. Applicant's height. weight. color of eyes and hair;
F. Two passport photographs at least two inches by' two inches, taken within the last six months;
G. Business, occupation or employment history of the applicant for the five years immediately preceding the
date oC the application;
H. The business license or permit history of the applicant. Whether such person, in previously operating in this
or another city or state under license or permit, has had such license or permit suspended or revoked, the
reason. therefore, and the business activity or occupation subsequent to such suspension or revocation;
I. All arrests andlor convictions and/or nolo contendere (no contest) and guilty pleas except for minor traffic
infractions. Charges dismissed pursuant to Penal Code 1203.4(a) must be included. Dates of arrest and/or
conviction and/or plea and the court must also be included.
1. A certificate from a medical doctor licensed to practice in the state of California stating that the applicant has,
within thirty days immediately preceding the date of the application, been examined and found to be free of
any contagious or communicable disease;
K. Applicant shall be required to furnish his fingerprints;
L. Applicant must furnish a diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized school or other institution of
learning wherein the method, profession and work of massage technician is taught. The terms "recognized
school" or "other institutions of learning" shall mean and include any school or institution of learning which
has for its purpose the teaching of the theory. method, profession or work of massage technicians; which
school requires a resident course of study of not Jess than five hundred hours (massage technician) or 1,000
hours (holistic health practitioner). Schools offering correspondence courses not requiring actual attendance
of class shall not be deemed a "recognized school." The city has the right to confirm the fact that the
applicant has actually attended classes in a recognized school for the aforementioned minimum time periods.
Proof of successful completion of a national certification exam administered by a national professional
certification organization approved by the Chief of Police. The exams administered by the NCBTMB and
NCCAOM are approved by the Chief of Police.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 11
M. Such other identification and information as may be required in order to discover the truth of the matters
hereinabove specified as required to be set fonh in the application. If necessary, the Chula Vista Police
Department may take the fingerprints and additional photographs and confirm the height and weight of the
applicant.
N. If the application IS a corporation, the name of the corporation exactly as shown in its Articles of
Incorporation or Charter, together with the state and date of incorporation and names and residential
addresses of each of its current officers and directors. and of each stockholder holding more than 5 percent of
the stock of the corporation;
o. If the applicant is a partnership, the name and residential addresses of each of the partners, including limited
to partners;
P. If the applicant is limited partnership. a copy of the limited partnership's certificate of limited partnership as
filed with the County Clerk;
Q. If one or more of the limited partners is a corporation. the applicant shall provide the infonnation about that
partner;
R. If the applicant is a corporation or partnership, the name of the responsible managing officer.
5.36.155
Grounds for Denial of Massage Establishment Permit, Holistic Health Establishment Permit,
Off-Premise Business Permit, Massage Therapist Permit, Holistic Health Practitioner
Permit
In addition to the grounds for denial stated in Section 5.02.200, an application for a massage
establishment permit, holistic health establishment permit, oft~premise business permit, massage therapist
permit or holistic health practitioner permit shall be denied for any of the following reasons:
A. The applicant has within ten years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application, been
convicted of any ortne following offenses:
a. Any offense described in Califomia Penal Code sections 266h. 266i. 315, 3]6, 318. 653.22. or
647(a). 647(b). 647(k)( I). 647(k)(2). or 647(k)(3).
h. Any offense described in California Penal Code. Part One, Title 9, Chapters 7.5 and 7.6; or the
applicant has with five years immediately preceding the date of filing of the application been
convicted of: a charge of violating any lesser included or lesser related offense, including
California Penal Code section 415, in satisfaction of, or as a substitute for, an original charge of
an)' of the offenses listed in above
c. The applicant has been convicted of any offense. which requires registration as a sex offender
under California Penal Code section 290 or where registration pursuant to Penal Code section 290
was part orthe imposed sentence.
B. Arrests for any of the above violations may also be grounds for denial.
5.36.160
Renewal of Massage Therapist or Holistic Health Practitioner Permit
A. Renewal of a permit shall be annual. All current massage therapists, holistic health practitioners, off-premise
massage technicians and off-premise holistic health practitioners working in the City of Chula Vista. must
renew license annually.
B. Additionally, in order to rene\\-' a massage technician, holistic health practitioner, off-premise massage or
holistic health business permit, the permittee must provide proof of twelve hours of continuing education in
massage therapy. The continuing education hours must be obtained from a facility or organization approved
by the NCBTMB. NCCAOM. or a state approved school or any other certification organization recognized by
the Chief of Police.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page] 2
C. Additionally, the permittee must show proof that the permittee's national certification is current. Proof from
NCBTMB, NCCAOM. or an)' other certification organization recognized by the Chief of Police, is sufficient.
(Ord 13 I 2 '2 (part). 1970; prior code' 9.39)
5.36.165 Equipment and Cleanliness Requirements for Massage and Holistic Health Establishments
A. Disinfecting agents and sterilizing equipment mllst be used to ensure that any instruments used in performing
any massage are clean and safe.
B. Pads used on massage tables must be covered in a workmanlike manner with durable, washable plastic or
other waterproof material.
C. Cleanable and nonabsorbent waste containers with tight fitting covers shall be provided for the storing of all
waste matter and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
D. Closed cabinets or containers shall be provided for the storage of laundered towels and linens. Nonabsorbent
containers or laundry bags shall be provided for damp or soiled linen, and linen shall be kept therein until
removed for laundering.
E. All establishments shall be so equipped, maintained, and operated as to effectively control the entrance,
harborage, and breeding of vermin, including flies. When flies or other vermin are present, effective control
measures shall be instituted for their control or elimination.
5.36.170 Facilities-Required generally
No license to conduct a massage or holistic health establishment shall be granted unless an inspection by the
city manager reveals that the proposed establishment complies with each of the following minimum requirements:
A. A recognizable and legible sign shall be posted at the main entrance identifying the premises as a massage or
holistic health establishment;
B. Minimum lighting shall be provided in accordance with the building code of the city and, in addition, at least
one artificial light of not less than sixty watts shall be provided in each room or enclosure where massage
services are performed on patrons;
C. Minimum ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the building code of the city;
D. Equipment approved by the health department for disinfecting and sterilizing instruments used in performing
acts of massage shall be provided;
E. Hot and cold running water shall be provided at all times;
F. Closed cabinets shall be provided, which cabinets shall be utilized for the storage of clean linen;
G. In any establishment in which massage services are rendered only to members of the same sex at anyone
time. such persons of the same sex may be placed in a single separate room or the operators of the massage
establishment may elect to place such persons of the same sex in separate enclosed rooms or booths having
adequate ventilation to an area outside said room or booth while massage services are being performed;
H. Adequate bathing, dressing, locker and toilet tacilities shall be provided for patrons. A minimum of one tub
or shower, one dressing room containing a separate locker for each patron to be served, which locker shall be
capable of being locked. and a minimum of one toilet and one wash basin shall be provided by every massage
or holistic health establishment; provided however, that if male and female patrons are to be served
simultaneously at said establishment, a separate massage room or rooms, separate dressing facilities and
separate toilet facilities shall be provided for male and female patrons. Further. in those establishments where
steam rooms or sauna baths are provided if male and female patrons are to be served simultaneously, separate
steam rooms or sauna rooms shall be provided for male and female patrons;
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 13
I. All \valls, ceilings, floors, pools, shovvers, bathtubs, steam rooms~ and all other physical facilities for the
establishment must be in good repair and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Wet and dry heat
rooms, steam or vapor rooms, or steam or vapor cabinets, shower compartments and toilet rooms shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a disinfectant approved by the health department each day the
business is in operation. Bathtubs shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with a disinfectant approved by
the health department after each use;
J. Clean and sanitary towels and linens shall be provided for each patron afthe establishment. No common use
oftowcls or linens shall be permitted;
K. A minimum of one separate wash basin shall be provided in t:ach massage establishment for the use of
employees of any such establishment, which basin shall provide soap or detergent and hot and cold running
water at all times and shall be located within or as close as practicable to the area devoted to the performing
of massage services. In addition, there shall be provided at each wash basin, sanitary towels placed in
pennanently installed dispensers.
This section shall be construed to require minimum standards only. All applicable provisions of this code
have full force and effect. The applicant shall be required to comply with all applicable provisions of this code.
(Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.40)
5.36.175 License or permit-Issuance prerequisites-Appeal of denial- Transferability
A. Any applicant for a penn it pursuant to these provisions shall present to the police department the application
containing the aforementioned and described information. The chief of police shall have a maximum time
period of ninety (90) days in which to investigate the application ,md the background of the applicant. Based
on such investigation, the chief of police, or his representative, shall render a recommendation as to the
approval or denial of the permit to the city manager or his designee.
B. The departmcnt of building and housing, the fire department and the county health officer shall inspect the
premises proposed to be devoted to the massage or holistic health establishment and shall make separate
recommendations to the city manager or designee concerning compliance with the foregoing provisions.
C. The city manager, or his designee, after receiving the aforementioned and described recommendations, shall
grant a permit to the establishment if all requirements for a massage or holistic health establishment described
herein are met, and shall issue a permit to all persons who have applied to perform massage services unless it
appears that any such person has deliberately falsified the application or unless it appears that the record of
any such person reveals a conviction of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude. The city manager or designee
may recommend to the city council that an individual business establishment shall be subject to a public
hearing and council approval, when in his judgment any such business establishment has an effect upon the
public health, safety or welfare of the community'.
D. Any' person denied a permit by the city manager or his designee pursuant to these provisions shall be notified
pursuant to Chapter 1.40 regarding an appeal why the penn it should be granted. The decision pursuant to
Chapter 1.40 shall be final upon the applicant. Also, the city council may elect on its own motion to review
any detennination of the city manager granting or denying a penn it, in which case, that decision shall then
constitute the exhaustion of administrative remedy.
E. All pennils issued hereunder are nontransferable; provided however. a change of location of a massage
establishment may be permitted pursuant to the provisions herein.
(Ord 2718 ' I (part) 1998; Ord 13 I 2 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 942)
5.36.180 Name of business
No person licensed to do business as herein provided shall operate under any name or conduct his business
under any designation not specified in this permit. (Ord 1312 '2 (part). 1970; prior code' 9.44)
Ordinance No. 3025
Pagc 14
5.36.190 Change of location-Fee required
A change of location of a licensed massage or holistic health establishment may be approved by the city
manager provided all applicable provisions of this code are complied with and a change oflocation Required Fee(s)
has been paid to city, to cover the costs of investigation. (Ord 2506 '] (part), 1992; Ord 2408 '1 (part). ]990; Ord
1312 '2 (part). 1970; prior code' 9.45)
5.36.200 Sale or transfer of business-Effect-Fee for transfer of interest
A. Upon the sale or transfer of any interest in a massage or holistic health establishment, the pemit and license
shall be null and void. A new application shall be made by any person, firm or entity desiring to own or
operate the massage or holistic health establishment. The Required Fee(s) shall be payable for each such
application involving sale or other transfer of any interest in an existing massage or holistic health
establishment. The provisions of Section 5.36.100 of this chapter shall apply to any person, firm or entity
applying for a massage or holistic health establishment permit for premises previously used as such
establishment.
B. Any such sale or transfer of any interests in an existing massage or holistic health establishment or any
application for an extension of the building or other place of business of the massage or holistic health
establishment, shall require inspection and shall require compliance with Section 5.36. 1 lO of this chapter.
(Ord 2506 ' I (part), 1992; Ord 2408 ' I (part), 1990; Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.46)
5.36.205 Employment of persons not possessing permits prohihited
It is unlawfu] for the holder of a license to operate a massage or holistic health establishment to employ or
otherwise allow a person who has not obtained a valid massage technician's or holistic health practitioner's permit to
practice acts of massage. (Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.47)
5.36.210 Records of treatment
misdemeanor-Penalty.
to
be
kept-Confidentiality
required-Disclosure
deemed
Every person, association, firm or corporation operating a massage or holistic health establishment under a
license as herein provided shall keep a record of the date and hour of each treatment, the name and address of the
patron, and the name of the technician administering such treatment. Said record shall be open to inspection by
officials charged with the enforcement of these provisions for the purposes of law enforcement and for no other
purpose. The information furnished or secured as a result of any such inspection shall be confidential. Any
unauthorized disclosure or use of such information by any officer or employee of the city shall constitute a
misdemeanor and such officer or employee shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this code, in addition to any
other penalties provided by law. Identical records shall be kept of treatments rendered off the business site, and, in
addition, shall describe the address where the treatment was rendered. Said records shall be maintained for a period
of two years. (Ord 13] 2 '2 (part), 1970; prior code '9.48)
5.36.220 Inspection required four times per )'ear.
The departments of building inspection, housing, fire, health, and police shall, from time to time and at least
four times each year, make an inspection of each massage establishment in the city for the purpose of determining
that the provisions of this code are met. (Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970: prior code' 9.49)
5.36.230 Off-premises massages-Permitted when
It is unlawful for any person to engage in. conduct, carry on or permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried
on the business of massage in any hotel room, motel room, guest- house or other place of public accommodation.
A. It is unlawful for any persons to engage in, or operate an off-premise massage or holistic health business
without an off-premise massage or holistic health business police permit.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 15
B. Any persons possessing an off-premise massage or holistic health business permit is also permitted to operate
as a massage therapist or holistic health practitioner.
C. Any person desiring to operate an off-premise massage or holistic health business, but who will not provide
massage services may obtain an off-premise massage or holistic health business permit so long as the
following conditions are met:
a. The person meets the application requirements for an off-premise massage business permit except for
the education requirements.
D. This section shall not be construed to:
a. Prohibit maintaining a licensed massage or holistic health establishment upon the premises of a place
of public accommodation; or
b. Prevent the holder of a license or the holder of a permit employed by the holder of a license issued
pursuant to this chapter from giving or administering massages within hospitals, convalescent
centers, rest homes or the private home of a patron.
(Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.50)
5.36.235 Applicability of provisions
The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable to all persons and businesses described herein whether the
herein described activities were established before or after January 23,1971. (Ord 1312 ' 2 (part), 1970; prior code
'9.51)
5.36.240 License or permit-Grounds for suspension or revocation
In the event that any person holding a license or permit issued pursuant to this chapter violates or causes or
permits to be violated any of the provisions of this chapter, or any provision of any other ordinance or law relating to
or regulating said business or occupation, or conducts or carries on such business or occupation in an unlawful
manner, the city manager, may, in addition to other penalties provided by ordinance, suspend or revoke the license
or permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For the purpose of this section, a criminal court conviction shall not be
required to support a finding of a violation of any law. (Ord 1312 ' 2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.52)
5.36.245 License or permit-Suspension, revocation or denial-Public bearing
Before denying, suspending or revoking a license or permit issued pursuant to this chapter, the city manager
shall offer the applicant or permittee a hearing as provided in Chapter 1.40. (Ord 2718 . I (part), 1998; Ord 1312 ' 2
(part), 1970; prior code' 9.53)
5.36.250 Hearing-Notice required
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 ' I (part), 1998; Ord 1312 ' 2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.54)
5.36.260 Hearing-Procedure generally
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 'I (part), 1998;Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code '9.55)
5.36,270 Hearing-Rules of evidence
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 'I (part), 1998; Ord 1312 ' 2 (part), 1970; prior code ' 9.56)
5.36.280 Hearing-Decision of determination
At the conclusion of the hearing, the city manager shall make an order. Such order can:
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 16
A. Dismiss the charges;
B. Suspend or revoke the license or permit; or
C. Affix such other conditional and probationary orders as may be proper for the enforcement of this chapter. A
copy of the decision specifYing findings of fact and the reasons for the decision shall be furnished to the
license or permit holder.
(Ord 1312 . 2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.57)
5.36.290 Effect of decision stayed when
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 ' 1 (part), 1998; Ord 1312 . 2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.58)
5.36.300 Hearing-Not required when-Effect
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 . I (part), 1998; Ord 1312 . 2 (part), 1970; prior code . 9.59)
5.36.310 Appeal-Petition required
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 . 1 (part), 1998; Ord 13 I 2 '2 (part), 1970; prior code . 9.60)
5.36.320 Appeal-Public hearing-Notice-Effect of decision
(Section repealed by Ord 2718 . I (part), 1998; Ord 1312 . 2 (part), 1970; prior code' 9.61)
5.36.325 Unlawful operation declared nuisance
Any massage establishment operated, conducted or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall
be and the same is hereby declared to be unlawful aud a public nuisance. The City Attorney may, in addition to, or
in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action hereunder. commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings for
abatement, removal or enjoimnent thereof, in the manner provided by law. The City Attorney shall take such other
steps and shall apply to such court or courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as shall abate or remove
such massage establishment and restrain and enjoin any person from operating, conducting, or maintaining, a
massage establishment contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
5.36.330 Violation-Penalty
A. Every person, except those persons who are specifically exempted by this chapter, whether acting as an
individual, owner, employee of the owner, operator or employee of the operator, or whether acting as a mere
helper for the owner, employee or operator, or whether acting as a participant or worker in any way, who
gives massages or conducts a massage or holistic health establishment or room, or who does or practices any
of the other things or acts mentioned in this chapter without first obtaining a permit and paying for a license
so to do from the city, or shall violate any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.
B. Any owner, operator, manager, or permittee in charge or in control of a massage or holistic health
establishment who knowingly employs a person performing as a massage technician or holistic health
practitioner as defined in this chapter who is not in possession of a valid permit, or who allows such an
employee to perform, operate or practice within such a place of business, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
C. Any massage or holistic health establishment operated, conducted, or maintained contrary to the provisions of
this chapter shall be and the same is hereby declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance and the city
attorney may, in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action hereunder, revoke the business license
pursuant to the procedure set forth in Section 5.36.230, commence an action or actions, proceeding or
proceedings, for the abatement, removal and enjoimnent thereof, in the manner provided by law; and shall
take such other steps and shall apply to such court or courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as
will abate or remove such massage establishments and restrain and enjoin any person from operating,
conducting or maintaining a massage or holistic health establishment contrary to the provisions of this
chapter.
Ordinance No. 3025
Page 17
5.36.340 Operative Date-Grandfather Clause
All persons holding a (I) valid massage technician permit. (2) valid holistic health practitioner permit, or (3)
an off-premise massage pernlit, and a (I) current business tax certificaH~ or (2) proof of employment as a massage
technician or holistic health practitioner within the City of Chula Vista on November 1.2005. will have one year
from the date of adoption of this ordinance to meet the requirements contained in Section 5.36.150(L).
(Ord2256 '3.1988;Ord 1312 '2 (part), 1970; prior code '9.62)