Aurora, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Certification required
- Current, unrevoked massage therapist certification
- State compliance
- Illinois Dept. of Public Health standards apply
- Posting
- Certification displayed at all times
- Distinct category
- Not classified as a massage parlor
Summary
Aurora requires therapeutic massage establishments and their massage therapists to meet certification and state licensing standards under the city code before practicing or advertising massage services.
A therapeutic massage establishment shall comply with the following standards and criteria:
It shall be unlawful for any person, association, firm or corporation to practice or administer any therapeutic massage at a therapeutic massage establishment as both defined in section 25-52, without first complying with the requirements stated in this section and complying with all other applicable standards and criteria of the zoning ordinance. Any uses that are therapeutic massage establishments or other related uses where the practice of therapeutic massage is ancillary to a vocation and within the scope of said vocation, employment, coarse of study or volunteer services as defined in subsection (j)(4) of section 25-52, shall not be considered a massage parlor as defined in section 25-52. It shall be unlawful for any person, association, firm or corporation to operate or conduct a therapeutic massage establishment which does not conform to the requirements of the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. It shall be unlawful for any person, association, firm or corporation to employ as a massage therapist any person who does not hold a current, unrevoked and unsuspended massage therapist certification as defined in section 25-52. It shall be unlawful for any person to advertise themselves as a massage therapist without a massage therapist certification as defined in section 25-52.
Full Breakdown
Aurora Code of Ordinances § 25-53 makes it unlawful to practice or administer therapeutic massage at a therapeutic massage establishment, or to employ or advertise as a massage therapist, without holding a current, unrevoked massage therapist certification defined in § 25-52: proof of national certification, professional-association membership, or a 500-hour accredited program. Establishments must also meet Illinois Department of Public Health requirements and post proof of the therapist's certification at all times. The code separately defines an unlicensed 'massage parlor' as a distinct adult use, which a compliant therapeutic massage establishment is not.
Violations & Fines
The article sets no standalone fine schedule for § 25-53; violations are prosecuted as unlawful operation of a noncompliant establishment or unlicensed practice under the city's general code-enforcement penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aurora require massage therapists to be certified?
Is a therapeutic massage establishment the same as a 'massage parlor' under Aurora's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
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