GENERALLY

New Orleans City Code ch. 30, art. XII, div. 1

in effect

New Orleans City Code § 30-931 Definitions.

Sec. 30-931. - Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Massage shall mean any process or procedure upon the external parts of the body of a patron consisting of rubbing, stroking, pressing, kneading, or tapping by any means. Massage establishment means any establishment or business wherein massage is practiced as a major use occupying more than 25 percent of the floor areas of the subject establishment or business, including establishments commonly known as massage studios or massage parlors. Massage therapist means any person who gives or administers a massage. Patron means any person 18 years or older who receives a massage under such circumstances that it is reasonably expected that he will pay money or give any consideration therefor. (Code 1956, § 35A-1-4)

New Orleans City Code § 30-932 Purpose.

Sec. 30-932. - Purpose. It is hereby found and determined that the practice of massage therapy is a professional skill which offers significant therapeutic benefits to many persons. It is further found and determined that the practice of massage therapy by unqualified persons may pose a danger to the public health, safety and welfare. It is the purpose of this article, in the absence of uniform state regulation of massage therapy, to ensure that persons performing massage therapy in the city have a proper knowledge of the practice of the profession and that the public is protected from unqualified practitioners. (Code 1956, § 35A-1-1)

New Orleans City Code § 30-933 Rules and regulations.

Sec. 30-933. - Rules and regulations. The director of the department of health shall, with the consent of the mayor, submit to the council for its approval such reasonable regulations necessary to the performance of the functions assigned by this article in accordance with section 4-107 of the home rule charter. Any such regulation may be rescinded or amended either by the same process as when originally submitted or by the council at any time. All regulations shall be subordinate to the ordinance of the council. (Code 1956, § 35A-1-3)

New Orleans City Code § 30-934 Exemptions.

Sec. 30-934. - Exemptions. This article shall not apply to the following: (1) Hospitals, nursing homes, sanitariums or other healthcare facilities licensed under the state; and physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths or physical therapists licensed or registered to practice their respective professions under the laws of the state or nurses registered under the laws of the state acting under their direction and control. (2) Barbershops and beauty parlors, barbers and beauticians licensed under the laws of the state provided that such massage as is practiced is limited to the head, neck and scalp. (3) Accredited high schools and colleges and coaches and trainers therein while acting within the scope of their employment. (4) Trainers of any amateur, semiprofessional or professional athlete or athletic team. (5) Clubs organized for pleasure, recreation and other nonprofitable purposes, who shall furnish proof of tax-exempt status under the provisions of 26 USC 501(c)(3) and (7) to the director of the department of health. (Code 1956, § 35A-1-14)

New Orleans City Code § 30-935 Expiration of licenses and permits.

Sec. 30-935. - Expiration of licenses and permits. All licenses or permits issued pursuant to the provisions of this article shall expire one calendar year from the date of issuance unless previously revoked. All practicing massage therapists or operators of massage establishments on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article was derived shall immediately be subject to all of the provisions of this article. (Code 1956, § 35A-1-13)

New Orleans City Code § 30-936 Penalty.

Sec. 30-936. - Penalty. Violation by any person of any of the provisions of this article is hereby declared to be a misdemeanor. (Code 1956, § 35A-1-11)

Source: City of New Orleans, Code of Ordinances and Home Rule Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH30BU_ARTXIIMATHMAES_DIV1GEFetched: 10/28/2026