§ 9.12.020. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the words, terms, and phrases set forth in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section:

"Certified massage therapist" means a person who is certified by the California Massage Therapy Council ("CAMTC") pursuant to Chapter 10.5 (commencing with Section 4600) of Division 2 of the California Business and Professions Code.

"For compensation" means the exchange of massage services for money, goods, or other services. An establishment or person cannot avoid the requirements of this chapter by offering free massage in conjunction with other services or goods provided to a client or customer for compensation.

"Managing employee" means any employee of a massage establishment who has responsibility for supervising, directing, or assigning work to massage therapists.

"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 any other parts of the body or with the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or other appliances or devices, with or without the use of oils, creams, tonics, lotions, antiseptics, tanning products, or other similar preparations. Massage shall further include baths, including aromatherapy, vapor, shower, electric tub, sponge, hot towels, sauna, steam, or any other type of bath where the essential nature of the service involves any method of pressure or friction against, or stimulating the external parts of, the human body, with the hands or any other parts of the body.

"Massage establishment" means an establishment having a fixed place of business where any person, firm, association, or corporation practices or otherwise permits massage for compensation. The term "massage establishment" includes establishments that offer services such as relaxation, hot tub, towel wraps, baths, health treatments, tanning, or any service where the essential nature of the interaction between the employee and the customer involves a massage.

"Massage therapist" means any person who, for any type of compensation, practices massage.

"Operator" means any individual who has any ownership interest in the massage establishment, or who is responsible for the day-to-day activities of a massage establishment.

"Out call massage" means providing massage services for compensation at a location other than at a permitted massage establishment.

"Permit" means a written document authorizing the holder to engage in the business specified in the document. Two types of permits are issued pursuant to this chapter: Establishment permits and out call massage business permits.

"Permitee" means a person or entity holding a permit under this chapter.

"Sheriff" means the sheriff of Madera County, or his/her designee.

(Ord. No. 686, § 1, 9-5-17).