Massage establishments and individual therapists in Saint Paul need licenses under Legislative Code Chapter 384, including background checks and zoning compliance, separate from any state-recognized professional credential.
Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter 384 (Massage Centers and Therapists) requires both the establishment and individual practitioners to hold city licenses. Applicants undergo background checks including criminal-history review for sex-related and human-trafficking offenses. Therapists must complete approved coursework hours from accredited schools. Establishments must maintain operating hours, signage standards, and physical layout requirements (no locked private rooms during service). Zoning limits massage centers to commercial districts, often with separation from residential zones. The Department of Safety and Inspections issues licenses, conducts annual inspections, and investigates complaints, working with SPPD on trafficking concerns.
Operating without a license triggers fines up to $2,000, immediate cease-and-desist orders, and potential trafficking referrals. License revocation, civil injunction, and structure-padlocking apply to repeat offenders.
See how Saint Paul's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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