Massage Establishment Business Permit
On December 8, 2010 the County Board of Supervisors adopted a new ordinance amending the
San Diego County Code relating to Massage Technicians/Therapists and Massage Establishments
in the unincorporated area of San Diego County.
The ordinance complies with current state law as set forth in Business and Professions Code 4600.
Below are answers to questions that address the major changes addressed in the new ordinance and
what these changes mean for you:
What are the changes in the ordinance?
- For current holders of the Massage Establishment License issued by the Sheriff for the
unincorporated area, the changes are minimal. Though the permit is now referred to as a Massage
Establishment Business Permit, the fees remain the same. Holders of the permit are still required
to complete and submit an application annually; at least 30 days prior to their expiration date,
and are subject to inspections.
- If the owner of a Massage Establishment operating in the unincorporated area of San
Diego is a CMP (Certified Massage Practitioner) or a CMT (Certified Massage Therapist) permitted
by the CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council),
a Massage Establishment Business Permit is now
required in order to operate. Per the new county ordinance and in accordance with BP4600, a
Massage Establishment Business Permit is required of all massage establishments operating in
the unincorporated area of San Diego County.
- If your Massage Establishment allows permitted therapists to offer massage on a mobile
basis at a location away from your establishment, you must ALSO apply for an Off-Premises Massage
Business Permit from the Sheriff’s Department.
- The new ordinance states that any changes in your employee roster must be communicated
to the Sheriff’s Department throughout the term of your license as they occur. Previously, employee
rosters had only been verified at the time of renewal.
If you have any questions regarding these changes please call the License Division at 858-974-2020.
Off Premise Massage Establishment Business Permit
On December 8, 2010 the County Board of Supervisors adopted a new ordinance amending the San Diego
County Code relating to Massage Technicians/Therapists and Massage Establishments in the unincorporated
area of San Diego County. The ordinance complies with current state law as set forth in Business and
Professions Code 4600.
Below are answers to questions that address the major changes addressed in the new ordinance and what
these changes mean for you:
What are the major changes in the ordinance?
- Effective immediately, the Sheriff’s Department no longer issues Massage Technician Permits
or Holistic Health Practitioner Registrations (HHP).
- All existing Massage Technician Permits will be valid only until the date of expiration listed
on the permit. No permits will be valid after December 31, 2011.
- In order to continue practicing massage in the unincorporated area, the new ordinance requires
all current permit holders to obtain certification from CAMTC (California
Massage Therapy Council). Becoming a Certified Massage Therapist or Practitioner through CAMTC is a very simple and straight
forward process. All questions about this process are addressed at the CAMTC
website (http://www.camtc.org) or by calling (916) 669-5336.
- If you choose to renew your existing Massage Technician Permit while you process your new application
with CAMTC, you must submit your application for renewal by April 30, 2011.
No renewal applications will be accepted or processed after this date. Keep in mind that the renewal fee will
not be pro-rated: the full $106 renewal fee applies and ALL renewal Massage Technician permits will expire on December
31, 2011.
- If you are not currently working for a Massage Establishment permitted through the Sheriff’s Department,
and are acting as an “independent contractor” performing “Off-Premises” massage on a mobile basis or at a
client’s location in the unincorporated area, the new ordinance requires that you obtain certification from
CAMTC. In addition to this you must ALSO apply for an Off-Premises Massage Business Permit from the Sheriff’s
Department. If you are interested in applying for this permit, click
here for the application.
Finally, please keep in mind that during this time of transition you must be licensed at all times in order
to perform massage. It is important to apply for CAMTC certification as soon as possible so that you receive
your CAMTC permit before your current San Diego county Massage Technician Permit expires. That is why the
ordinance provides for limited renewal of your current permit; to give you plenty of time to receive CAMTC
certification before the expiration of ALL local permits on December 31, 2011.
If you have any questions regarding these changes please call the License Division at 858-974-2020.
|
