Madison licenses massage establishments and therapists under MGO Ch. 9.06, requiring background checks, state-licensed therapists, and inspections to deter illicit operations while allowing legitimate practices.
MGO Ch. 9.06 requires every massage establishment in Madison to obtain a city license from the Clerk's office, with the operator and on-site managers undergoing police background checks. All practicing therapists must hold a current Wisconsin massage therapist license under Wis. Stat. Ch. 460. Establishments must post hours, maintain client records, and allow inspection by Madison Police and Public Health Madison & Dane County. The ordinance is designed to separate legitimate therapeutic massage businesses from human-trafficking fronts. Sole-practitioner home offices may qualify for streamlined treatment.
Operating without a license can lead to closure, fines up to $1,000 per day, and referral for state license discipline; convictions for prostitution-related conduct trigger revocation.
See how Madison'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.