Massage therapists need a Colorado state license under C.R.S. §12-235, and Denver requires a separate massage facility license under DRMC Ch. 32. The local rule targets human-trafficking and prostitution fronts with inspections, hours limits, and signage.
Massage therapy in Denver is dual-regulated. The therapist must hold a Colorado Massage Therapy Practice Act license under C.R.S. §12-235. The business itself must obtain a massage facility license from Denver Excise and Licenses under DRMC Chapter 32. Owners submit fingerprints, ownership disclosures, and floor plans. Facilities must be open only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., post operator credentials and prices, keep doors unlocked during business hours, ban living quarters in treatment rooms, and allow on-demand inspection. The ordinance was strengthened in 2018 to combat human trafficking, and operators failing inspection can be summarily suspended.
Operating without a Denver facility license or violating hours, signage, or trafficking-prevention rules triggers immediate suspension, fines up to $999 per day, license revocation, and possible state criminal charges for prostitution-related offenses.
Denver, CO
Denver Department of Public Health & Environment inspects every retail food establishment under DRMC chapter 24 and Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules....
Denver, CO
Denver licenses sexually oriented businesses under DRMC Ch. 7 with strict zoning buffers from schools, churches, daycares, and homes. Adult cabarets, booksto...
See how Denver's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.