Definitions
San Diego Municipal Code § 33.3502
in effect§33.3502 Definitions
For purposes of this Division, defined terms appear in italics. The following definitions apply in this Division:
Massage means any method of pressure on, or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating the external parts of the human body with the hands or other parts of the body, with or without the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances, or with or without supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice.
Massage establishment means a fixed place of business where any person engages in massage.
Massage therapist or massage practitioner means any person who gives or administers a massage to another person, for any form of consideration. Off-premise massage therapist business means the business of providing massage services by appointment at a location other than the premises licensed as a massage establishment. It includes massage therapists who provide off-premise massage services and who contract with or work for a business other than a massage establishment.
Particular anatomical areas means the pubic region, human genitals, perineum, anal region, and the area of the female breast that includes the areola and the nipple.
Regulatory body means the Massage Therapist Organization (also known as the California Massage Therapy Council) that provides oversight to massage professionals pursuant to Division 2, Chapter 10.5 of the California Business and Professions Code (commencing with section 4600).
Sole practitioner massage establishment means a massage establishment that is wholly owned by massage therapist or a person who holds a state certification, who is the only person who provides massage on the premises, who has no employees, and who does not employ independent contractors.
State certification means a valid certificate issued by the regulatory body.
(“Purpose and Intent” renumbered to Sec. 33.3501; “Definitions” renumbered from Sec. 33.3504 and amended 12–5–2000 by O–18907 N.S.; effective 7-1-2001.)
(Amended 11-25-2014 by O-20437 N.S.; effective 12-25-2014.)
(Amended 11-20-2019 by O-21152 N.S.; effective 1-1-2020.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter03/Ch03Art03Division35.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/28/2026