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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.