Lakeville, MN Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Lakeville City Code Chapter 3-21 requires anyone operating a massage therapy center within city limits to hold a license under section 3-21-1(B), whether the business operates alone or alongside another enterprise. The chapter defines a massage therapy center as any premises where massage therapy is practiced, excluding a therapist's own residence used solely by that therapist. Applicants file with the city clerk under section 3-21-4, listing the property description, the owner, lessee, operator or manager, and two Dakota County references who can speak to character, plus any prior criminal convictions.

The Police Department, building inspector and planning department review every application and inspect the premises for compliance under section 3-21-6, and the City Administrator ultimately grants or denies the license. Section 3-21-7 bars a license for anyone of bad repute, requires freedom from convictions involving moral turpitude within the past year, and limits licensure to applicants at least eighteen years old at locations permitted by the zoning ordinance. Under section 3-21-8, a licensed massage therapy center must designate a manager, supply the Police Department with a roster of massage therapists, and close to patrons between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

No massage therapy center may employ anyone under eighteen, and every therapist must be separately licensed by the city and display that license on the premises. Section 3-21-1(C) exempts state-licensed medical, chiropractic and physical therapy providers, certified athletic trainers, and licensed barbers or beauticians performing incidental face, neck or scalp massage, along with temporary chair massage offered no more than ten days a year where recipients stay clothed and seated in public view. The City Council may revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license under section 3-21-10 for fraud in obtaining it, habitual drug or alcohol abuse, prostitution convictions, or conduct inimical to public health, safety or morals.