Chicago licenses massage establishments under MCC Ch. 4-92, while individual therapists are licensed statewide by IDFPR under the Illinois Massage Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 57. Operators need BACP approval, a posted therapist roster, and zoning compliance before opening.
MCC Ch. 4-92 requires every massage establishment to hold a BACP business license naming each owner and on-duty manager. Applicants submit floor plans, fingerprint background checks, and proof that all therapists hold an active Illinois license issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Massage Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 57. The Act preempts city therapist licensing but lets Chicago set premises standards, signage, lighting, and operating-hour rules. Posted disclosures must list therapist names and IDFPR license numbers. BACP and CPD inspect on complaint, and prostitution-related convictions trigger summary suspension under MCC 4-4-280. Outcall services require a separate endorsement. Home occupation massage is barred under MCC 17-9-0202.
Operating without a BACP license, employing an unlicensed therapist, or violating premises standards is a misdemeanor under MCC 4-4-340 with fines $250-$2,000 per offense, license suspension, and possible padlock action under MCC 7-24-225.
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