12-03-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. The term "massage therapy" means the rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping or rolling of the body with the hands or other parts of the body for the exclusive purposes of relaxation, physical fitness, or beautification and for no other purpose. The practice of massage therapy is hereby declared to be distinct from the licensed practice of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, physical therapy, podiatry, and nursing, as well as wellness programs sponsored by the management of senior housing complexes and the professions of athletic coaching and training. Persons engaged in those professions are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance. 2. The term "massage therapist" means a person who practices massage therapy. 3. "Massage Therapy Establishment" shall mean any room or rooms wherein a person may receive a massage from a "massage therapist" for a fee. 4. “Complementary and alternative health care practices” shall mean any health care practice or method, as described in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 146A, that is provided to maintain or improve the health and well-being of an individual, but that does not involve the practice of medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, or massage therapy as defined elsewhere in this Code. Examples include, but are not limited to, healing touch, reiki, relaxation techniques, energy work, and other non-invasive, non-medical practices intended to promote general wellness or stress reduction. For purposes of this Chapter, such practices include those involving direct physical contact between a practitioner and client. All such practices shall be non-sexual in nature and conducted in a professional setting consistent with legitimate therapeutic objectives. 5. “Complementary and alternative health care practitioner” means a person who practices complementary and alternative health care practices. 6. “Complementary and alternative health care establishment” shall mean any room or rooms wherein a person may receive services from a " Complementary and alternative health care practitioner " for a fee. 2203.020. LICENSE FOR MASSAGE THERAPY OR COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PRACTICES AS A PRINCIPAL USE. 1. No person, partnership, or corporation shall engage in a business, which has massage therapy or any complementary and alternative health care practice as a principal use, without being licensed as provided in this Chapter. 2. The initial application for a license by a business shall be made by completing an application form provided by and containing such information as required by the City and by paying a one- time non-refundable initial application fee as established by City Council resolution. 3. If the application for a license under this Chapter is granted, the fee above shall be the first year’s license fee. Thereafter, the license fee shall be as established by City Council resolution. A separate license shall be obtained for each place of business.