Massage Business Requirements

In 2013, the City of Petaluma enacted an ordinance regulating Massage Establishments and Massage Professionals. This action was taken in an effort to combat human trafficking and other unlawful practices in Petaluma.

The ordinance has different requirements whether 1) you are a massage professional who works as a sole proprietor or an employee; and 2) whether you are a massage establishment certified by the California Massage Therapy Council.

Read the information below to learn how the ordinance affects you and to download any forms that might be necessary.

Massage Professional - Sole Proprietor

Must be certified by California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)
Must have valid City of Petaluma business license. Apply here.
Must register annually with Police Department before applying for/ renewing your business license. Use the Annual Registration form.

Massage Professional - Employee

Must be certified with CAMTC
Must have valid City of Petaluma business license. Apply here.
Your employer must register you with Police Department

Massage Establishment- CAMTC-Certified

You must register annually with the Police Department.
Submit copies of your own CAMTC certificate and CAMTC certificates for each person employed or contracted with each year before renewing your business license, as well the CAMTC certificates of new hires within fifteen business days of hiring.
Download Form here.
Must have valid City of Petaluma business license. Apply here.

Massage Establishment- Not CAMTC-Certified

Complete the Annual Background Check form
Submit copies of CAMTC certificates for each person employed or contracted with each year before renewing your business license, as well the CAMTC certificates of new hires within fifteen business days of hiring.

Permit Holders - Pre-2013

Some massage therapists and businesses were issued a massage permit prior to 2013. These permits must be renewed every two years using the Permit Form.

Ordinance

Read the City's Massage ordinance here.