Massage businesses in Spokane need a city business license plus state-issued individual practitioner credentials from the Washington Department of Health under RCW 18.108. Spas combining massage with other services need both licenses.
Spokane regulates massage establishments through SMC Chapter 1.05 business licensing while individual massage therapists are credentialed by the Washington Department of Health under RCW 18.108. Reflexologists hold a separate state credential. Establishments must verify each practitioner holds a current WA DOH license before allowing them to provide services. Zoning under SMC Chapter 17C limits massage businesses in residentially zoned areas; commercial zones generally permit them by right. Adult-oriented spas that fall outside therapeutic massage are regulated under separate adult entertainment licensing.
Operating without a city business license can result in citations and closure orders; using unlicensed practitioners can trigger state DOH discipline plus loss of the city license.
Spokane, WA
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See how Spokane's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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