5.32.010 Definitions.
Whenever used in this chapter, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:
A. “Massage” means the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, stroking, kneading, pressing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, rolling, compression and friction, for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, neuromuscular reeducation, prevention, rehabilitation, healing, or other benefits both physical and mental, including, but not limited to, deep tissue and pre- and post-sports massage, manual lymph drainage therapeutic technique and myofascial release.
B. “Massage establishment” means an establishment having a fixed place of business where massage or similar procedures are performed.
C. “Massage professional” means any person, other than a medical practitioner licensed by the state of California, who administers to another person for a fee, profit or other compensation massage, baths or other similar procedures.
D. “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation or association of any nature whatsoever.
E. “CAMTC” means California Massage Therapy Council.
F. “Employee,” for the purpose of this chapter, shall include independent contractors.
G. “Manager” means the person(s) designated by the operator of the massage establishment to act as the representative and agent of the operator in managing day-to-day operations with the same liabilities and responsibilities.
H. “Off-premises massage” means the performing of massage for a fee, profit or other compensation at a location other than the massage establishment, including, and limited to, the following:
1. “Off-premises public” when the client remains fully clothed and limited to modalities that do not require the removal of clothing, including, but not limited to, chair massage, reflexology, sports massage, and acupressure, shiatsu and Thai massage. “Off-premises public” is limited to areas open to the public, but limited to sidewalks, sports complexes, convention centers, public events, and business lobbies or common areas open to the public or other employees;
2. “Off-premises private” when the client may or may not remain fully clothed and shall not be performed unless authorized in writing by a physician, surgeon, chiropractor or osteopath duly licensed to practice in the state of California.
I. “Owner” means all persons who have an ownership interest in the massage establishment and are responsible for its day-to-day operations. The owner also is an individual(s) whose name(s) appears on the city of Bakersfield business license.
J. “Reflexology” is the application of specific pressures to reflex points in the hands and feet. It is a clothed session with only the removal of shoes and socks allowed. (Ord. 4963 § 1, 2019; Ord. 4931 § 1, 2018)