Medford, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License category
- "Secondary licensee" under § 8.010
- Who it applies to
- Masseuses working as independent contractors/sublicensees
- License term
- 12 months from start date
- Review agencies
- Planning, Building, Public Works, Fire Marshal
- Appeal window
- 10 business days to City Manager
Summary
Medford classifies masseuses working as independent contractors or sublicensees out of a commercial location as "secondary licensees," requiring each one to hold a separate business license under Municipal Code Section 8.010, distinct from the location's own license.
"Secondary licensee" means a person, independent contractor or sublicensee operating out of a commercial location who is not otherwise licensed under this chapter. Shall include but not be limited to: beauticians, nail technicians, yoga instructors, masseuses, tattoo artists.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010 of the Medford Municipal Code defines a "secondary licensee" as a person, independent contractor, or sublicensee operating out of a commercial location who is not otherwise licensed under Chapter 8, and lists masseuses by name as included in that definition. 015 makes it unlawful for any person to do business in the City unless duly licensed, a masseuse operating independently out of a spa, salon, or wellness business must obtain their own business license rather than relying on the host business's license. 031: the applicant submits a signed application with all fields completed, and the license is referred to Planning, Building and Safety, Public Works Engineering, and the Fire Marshal for endorsement within two weeks confirming the location and structure can lawfully be used for the activity.
034 issues the license for a 12-month period running from the first day of doing business through the anniversary month of the following year. 033.
Violations & Fines
Doing business as a masseuse without the required secondary licensee business license is a violation under Section 8.900, with each day of unlicensed operation treated as a separate violation in addition to any civil injunction the City may seek under Section 8.015(2). A license can also be revoked for material misrepresentation or unlawful activity, barring the person from doing business in the City for one year under Section 8.032.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a massage therapist need their own business license in Medford?
How long does a Medford business license last?
What happens if a massage business license is denied in Medford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Medford
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