Tinley Park, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- Village of Tinley Park, per § 129I.02
- State license required
- Illinois Massage Licensing Act
- Background check cost
- $100 criminal record check
- Fingerprint fee
- $50 per person
- Home practice exception
- No business license, but zoning home-occupation rules apply
- Maximum fine
- $750 per § 129I.99
Summary
Tinley Park requires a Village business license for every separate massage office or place of business, in addition to the state massage therapist license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Home-based massage skips the business license but still needs the zoning home-occupation approval.
Business license required. No person shall engage in or carry out the business of massage unless he has a valid business license issued by the Village pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter for each and every separate office or place of business conducted by such person. However, where individuals possessing the license required in division (B) of this section, perform massage in their own homes, or for an individual client in the home of that client, no business license shall be required for the premises.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-40: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance 2026-O-007, passed 2-17-2026, Resolution 2018-R-077, passed 10-2-18, and State legislation current through 2010 Pamphlet No. 7).
Full Breakdown
02 for each separate office or place of business, except that an individual holding the required state license who performs massage in their own home, or in a client's home, does not need a separate business license for the premises; home-based practice must instead meet the Tinley Park Zoning Ordinance's home-occupation requirements. Every massage provider must independently hold a state license issued under the Massage Licensing Act, ILCS Ch. 225, Act 57. 25, and undergoes a Police Department background investigation, including fingerprinting at a cost of $100 for the criminal record check plus $50 per fingerprint submission, borne by the applicant.
The application must disclose ownership structure, prior addresses, physical description, license history including any past revocations or suspensions, criminal convictions, the names and state licenses of every massage therapist employed there, and written character references from at least three residents, drawn first from the village if possible.
Violations & Fines
Giving massages or operating a massage establishment without first obtaining the required license and paying the license fee, or otherwise violating Chapter 129I, is a misdemeanor under § 129I.99 punishable by a fine of up to $750 upon conviction. The penalty reaches owners, employees, agents, independent contractors and any other participant or worker involved in the unlicensed activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Village license to give massages from my own home in Tinley Park?
What background check does Tinley Park require for a massage establishment license?
What is the penalty for operating an unlicensed massage business in Tinley Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tinley Park
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