San Francisco, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required from
- DPH Director
- Unpermitted operation fine
- Up to $1,000/day
- Permit ineligibility penalty
- 180 days
- Criminal max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
San Francisco requires a Massage Business permit from the Department of Public Health before any massage establishment, sole-practitioner establishment, or outcall service can operate.
It shall be unlawful for any Owner of a Massage Establishment, Sole Practitioner Massage Establishment, or Outcall Massage Service to operate that Massage Business at any location in the City without first obtaining a permit for such Massage Business from the Director. In the event that a business owner or operator disclaims that the business is a Massage Business, the Director may hold a hearing to determine whether a permit under this Section 29.25 is required.
(b) Exemptions. The following businesses may provide Massage services without obtaining a Massage Business permit:
(1) Businesses providing Massage services performed solely by physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, nurses, or any physical therapists, who are duly licensed to practice their respective professions in the State of California and persons working directly under the supervision of or at the direction of such licensed persons, working at the same location as the licensed person, and administering massage services subject to review or oversight by the licensed person.
(2) Businesses providing Massage services performed solely by barbers or cosmetologists who are duly licensed under the laws of the State of California, while engaging in practices within the scope of their licenses, and limited to the massaging of the neck, face, scalp, hands, or feet of the clients.
(3) Hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, or any other
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Police Code Article 29, every Owner of a Massage Establishment, Sole Practitioner Massage Establishment, or Outcall Massage Service must obtain a Massage Business permit from the DPH Director before operating anywhere in the City. A few licensed professionals (physicians, nurses, chiropractors, barbers/cosmetologists within scope) and health facilities are exempt. Operating without a permit draws administrative fines up to $1,000 per day plus a 180-day permit ineligibility penalty.
Violations & Fines
Up to $1,000/day administrative fine for operating without a permit; 180-day ineligibility for the business and owner. Criminal violation of Sec. 29.25 is a misdemeanor: up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in County Jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SF require a separate city permit for massage businesses?
What happens if a massage business operates without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
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