Independence, MO Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License required from
- City License Officer
- Background check
- Fingerprints + criminal history
- Renewal
- Annual
- Penalty
- $50–$500 or 90 days
Summary
Independence requires anyone operating a massage establishment or bath house to hold an annually renewed License Officer permit backed by a Health Director inspection and background check.
No person shall operate a bath house or massage establishment without first securing and having in effect a license issued by the License Officer to operate such establishment. Only one license shall be required for the operation of any one or more of the services herein identified and conducted at one location. The license shall be issued for the occupation defined in Section 11.14.001, which is the main service offered by the applicant. The license fee shall be computed and charged pursuant to Chapter 5 of the Code of the City of Independence, Missouri. Each operator's license must be renewed annually.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 11.14.002 makes it unlawful to operate a bath house or massage establishment without a license from the License Officer, renewed annually. Before that license issues, § 11.14.003 requires the Director of Health to confirm the applicant, and any partners or corporate managers, has no history of prostitution, indecent exposure, or sex-offense convictions, verified through a Missouri criminal history check and fingerprints taken by the police, plus an inspection and approval of the premises under § 11.14.004.
Violations & Fines
Operating without both the License Officer permit and Health Director authorization is unlawful under § 11.14.002; the License Officer can deny, suspend, or revoke a license under §§ 11.14.009 and 11.14.012, and § 11.14.015 sets a fine of $50 to $500 or up to 90 days imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a licensed physical therapist need a massage establishment license in Independence?
What disqualifies an applicant from a massage license in Independence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
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