Massage Regulations 2026
City Council to Review Changes to Massage Regulations
On May 27, 2026, the City Council will consider several proposed amendments intended to strengthen the City’s massage regulations and improve consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. While many of the proposed revisions are administrative or clarifying in nature, key changes under consideration include:
Licensing and Application Enhancements: These strengthen vetting and transparency:
- Broaden criminal history disclosures to include prior criminal charges and convictions.
- Require applicants to provide documentation if they are proposing to retain a massage therapist as an independent contractor.
- Establish clear timelines for application review and completion for incomplete applications.
- Require a current and valid policy of liability insurance providing minimum coverage of $1,000,000.
- Require the property owner or landlord information to allow notifications to property owners regarding violations.
- Require all unpaid citations or uncorrected violation be corrected prior to the renewal of a business license.
License Renewal Requirements: Require all unpaid citations or uncorrected violations must be corrected prior to the renewal of a business license.
Operational and Facility Standards: These updates would establish and clarify current standards within the existing ordinance language.
- Prohibit any person from entering a massage establishment under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- prohibit residential uses (living quarters) within massage establishments.
- Restrict therapist attire to prohibit transparent, see-through, or garments which substantially expose the anatomical areas.
- Expand prohibited conduct to prohibit the touching of anatomical areas of a female customer without their written consent.
- Allow security cameras at the reception desk and rear entry/exit of the business.
- Create advertising restrictions, to include sexually suggestive content and advertising on websites known to promote illicit activity.
- Define window covering requirements to allow visibility into a massage establishment during the hours of operation.
- Prohibit the installation or use of table showers.
- Mandate the posting of notices which include victim and human trafficking information pursuant to California Civil Code Section 52.6.
Enforcement: Amend the current enforcement practices to align within regional jurisdictions.
- Categorize violations as correctable vs. non-correctable violations.
- Allow for immediate Notice of Violation for non-correctable violations.
Public Participation
Over the past several months, the City has reviewed regulations adopted by neighboring jurisdictions related to the oversight of massage businesses. The City’s current regulations were last updated in 2018. Since that time, many surrounding communities have revised their licensing requirements and operational standards to reflect evolving community expectations and public safety needs.
The purpose of this review is to strengthen safeguards against unlawful activity, protect residential neighborhoods, and address public safety and human trafficking concerns. This evaluation is especially timely, as the number of massage establishments operating within the City has nearly doubled since 2019.
To help shape the proposed updates and gather input directly from industry professionals, the City hosted a community workshop and invited public feedback. The workshop was held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, and was attended by approximately 20 industry professionals who provided valuable and informative comments.
In addition, on February 28, 2026, the City Council received an update on the progress of the project, including a review of potential ordinance amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review the most Frequently Asked Questions information sheet
Questions or More Information
For questions or additional information, please contact the Business License Division at (916) 727-4907 or by email at businesslicense@citrusheights.net