Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending the Olympia Municipal Code Regarding Massage and Reflexology Businesses
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading and forward to second reading, an ordinance amending the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) relating to Massage and Reflexology Businesses.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the ordinance amending the OMC to strengthen oversight of massage and reflexology businesses
Staff Contact:
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief, 360.753.8147
Al Weinnig, Detective Sergeant, 360.753.8410
Presenter(s):
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief (primary)
Al Weinnig, Detective Sergeant
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia recognizes the therapeutic benefits of massage and reflexology when performed by trained and licensed professionals. However, some establishments have been found to employ unlicensed practitioners and may be operating in ways that enable criminal activity such as human trafficking, prostitution or fraud.
This ordinance seeks to:
• Require conspicuous posting of state-issued licenses and certifications.
• Establish inspection authority for law enforcement limited to common areas.
• Mandate that only individuals age 18 or older may practice.
• Prohibit unlicensed practice and receiving services from unlicensed providers.
• Define criminal and administrative penalties for violations.
• Provide a mechanism to deny or revoke business licenses for certain criminal convictions, including under RCW 9A.88 (prostitution) and RCW 9A.60 (fraud).
The ordinance is structured across four areas of the Olympia Municipal Code:
• Amendments to OMC 9.24 (Lewd Conduct)
• A new chapter, OMC 5.26 (Massage and Reflexology Businesses)
• A new section, OMC 5.02.055 (License Revocation and Denial Provisions)
• Amendment to OMC 18.02.180(P) (Definitions, Unified Development Code)
The goal is to support legitimate businesses while equipping the City with tools to identify, investigate and address illicit operations.
The City worked in collaboration with the Washington State Massage Therapy Association to ensure the ordinance reflects best practices. This partnership helped align the ordinance with the needs of licensed massage therapists and reflexology practitioners while prioritizing community safety and well-being.
The Olympia Police Department partners with Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative, a locally based nonprofit with national reach. Innovations provides housing and support services for survivors of human trafficking, as well as training and technical assistance for first responders and service providers.
Climate Analysis:
This policy decision does not have a direct impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
This ordinance is intended to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse while promoting health, safety, and fair business practices. Whenever possible, it emphasizes enforcement actions that target business operators rather than individual service providers.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Residents and businesses have expressed concern about suspicious activity occurring at certain massage establishments. The proposed regulations reflect community feedback and consultation with law enforcement and the City Attorney’s Office.
Options:
1. Move to approve on first reading and forward to second reading the ordinance amending the Olympia Municipal Code regarding massage and reflexology businesses.
2. Do not approve an ordinance amending the Olympia Municipal Code regarding massage and reflexology businesses.
3. Approve a modified ordinance based on Council direction.
Financial Impact:
There is no immediate budgetary impact. Enforcement will be carried out within existing Police Department resources.
Attachments:
Ordinance