City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

Home
Title 10
Chapter 10.78
Section 10.78.010
 

Title 10 Regulation of Activities

Division V. Code Enforcement and Animal Regulations

Chapter 10.78 Massage and Reflexology Businesses

Section 10.78.010 Purpose

The Spokane City Council recognizes the health and wellness benefits of massage and reflexology, and that massage and reflexology businesses in the city of Spokane serve a legitimate and beneficial purpose in the community. The Council also recognizes that there are some businesses that hold themselves out as massage or reflexology businesses, but employ unlicensed persons to provide massage and uncertified persons to provide reflexology who fail to follow state health and licensing requirements, and do not have the proper training required to obtain a state license or certification. In addition, these businesses that employ unlicensed or uncertified persons to provide massage and reflexology can be used to facilitate the commission of various criminal acts, including but not limited to human trafficking and prostitution. These businesses that permit unlicensed or uncertified persons to perform massage and reflexology or permit the commission of unlawful acts threaten the business and reputation of legitimate and licensed businesses and practitioners, and present a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare. This chapter is intended to inhibit the ability of an individual or businesses to engage in the practice of providing unlicensed massage and reflexology, and support the legitimate provision of these services by licensed massage practitioners and reflexologists.

Date Passed: Monday, October 2, 2023

Effective Date: Friday, November 17, 2023

ORD C36444 Section 1