Bristol, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning use
- Use 4S Massage Therapy, § 27-320
- Districts
- Special exception in HC-1 and HC-2
- Excluded businesses
- Those run by licensed physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and others named
- Health club limit
- Massage no more than 20% of revenue by gross receipts
- Medical office massage
- Therapists with national board certification approved by Council
- Civil penalty
- Not more than $500 plus costs
Summary
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, massage therapy is a defined zoning use in § 27-320: an establishment whose primary business purpose is treating the superficial parts of a patron by rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating. The Code lists it as a special exception in the HC-1 and HC-2 districts, with carve-outs for licensed professionals.
S. Massage Therapy. An establishment which has as its primary business purpose the treating of the superficial parts of a patron for medical, hygienic, exercise or relaxation purposes by rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating with hands, feet or any instrument. Provided, however, that this definition shall not include any business establishment operated by or employing licensed psychologists, licensed physical therapists, licensed athletic trainers, licensed cosmetologists or licensed barbers engaged in performing functions authorized under the license held; and, provided further, however, that this definition shall not include any business or establishment operated by or employing licensed physicians or licensed chiropractors engaged in practicing the healing arts.
Full Breakdown
Massage therapy is Use 4S in the Bristol Borough Zoning Code. Chapter 27 defines it by purpose, not through a business license: an establishment which has as its primary business purpose the treating of the superficial parts of a patron for medical, hygienic, exercise or relaxation purposes with hands, feet or any instrument. Every massage reference in the Code sits in Chapter 27 Zoning, and the Part 2 definition simply points back to § 27-320.
The definition does not include any business establishment operated by or employing licensed psychologists, licensed physical therapists, licensed athletic trainers, licensed cosmetologists or licensed barbers engaged in performing functions authorized under the license held. It also does not include any business or establishment operated by or employing licensed physicians or licensed chiropractors engaged in practicing the healing arts.
Two other uses carry their own massage rules. A medical office (Use 3B) can include accessory massage therapy by massage therapists with certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or other recognized national certification board approved by Council. A health club (Use 4N) can include therapeutic massage services provided that such services constitute no more than 20% of the revenue of the health club based on gross receipts.
A massage establishment is listed as a special exception in the HC-1 Highway Commercial West and HC-2 Highway Commercial East districts, so the Zoning Hearing Board authorizes it under the standards in § 27-804, Subsection 6B. Adult businesses are handled separately: Use 4A in § 27-320 sends them to Chapter 13, Part 9, "Adult Business."
Violations & Fines
A massage establishment operating outside the zoning rules draws an enforcement notice under § 27-811, sent to the owner of record, stating the violation, the dates for starting and completing compliance, and the right to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. Continued violation exposes the owner to a civil judgment under § 27-812 of not more than $500 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bristol Borough license massage establishments?
Which businesses fall outside the Bristol Borough massage therapy definition?
Can a gym in Bristol Borough offer massage?
Where in Bristol Borough can a massage therapy establishment locate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol
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