2005_0912_Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Specifically, the current Code is intended to ensure that: 1) Public safety and public health officials are aware of the locations where rnassage-for- fee services are taking place 2) Only legitimate forms of massage therapy is practiced 3) Proper hygiene on the part of the massage therapist and customer are observed 4) A separate and private changing area (where applicable) for customers is available Chair massages generally involve shorter sessions, and do not require the removal of any clothing. In addition, they typically take place in highly-visible open space areas. As such, most of the public safety and health concerns identified by the current Code are not present for chair massages. In addition, Staff does not feel that stand-alone massage therapy establishments present any added public safety or health concerns when compared to salon-type or health club establishments. Staff Recommendation In recognition of current exceptions to the Code, and with the increasing demand for expanded locations and chair massages, Staff recommends the following amendments to the City Code: a) Amend the City Code to permit stand-alone massage therapy establishment locations b) Amend the City Code to accommodate chair massage as a permitted type of massage c) Require local licensure by all chair massage therapists d) Require a local massage therapy establishment license for all massage locations that are within a fixed premise in excess of 14 days in any calendar year With regard to item `b' above, chair massage is defined as a massage limited to the neck, shoulders, arms, and back with the customer being fully-clothed. With regard to item'd' above, 'fixed premise' is defined as an area within a building, shopping mall, institutional or corporate campus; or when permitted by separate permit, an outdoor public space area such as a park. Consistent with the current Code, home-based massage therapy establishments would still be prohibited. With these Code amendments, local businesses would be permitted to offer massage-for-fee services as part of an employee wellness program for a limited amount of time, as long as the massage is performed by a licensed massage therapist. In addition, chair massages would now be expressly permitted at office and shopping mall settings. Attachments A revised City Ordinance, Chapter 309 is attached in markup form. The revisions are noted in underline and strikethrough form, and are contained in Ch. 309.01; 309.02, Subd. A and B; 309.03, 309.04, Subd. A; Subd. A; Ch. 309.06, Subd. I; and Ch. 309.06, Subd. J. Council Action Requested Set a public hearing for September 26, 2005 to consider proposed amendments to City Code, Chapter 309.