For all municipal business license questions, contact: City of South Bend • Department of Community Investment
227 West Jefferson Blvd • Suite 1400 S •South Bend, Indiana 46601 • 574.235.5912 • F: 574.235.9021
LICENSE APPLICATION FOR - MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION - 4-35
DEFINITION:
Massage Establishment means any business located in a building, room, place or establishment,
utilized for the practice of massage therapy, other than a recognized school of massage therapy
or an Indiana State Department of Health licensed medical facility.
Massage establishments include any establishments having a fixed place of business where any
person engages in, conducts, carries on, or permits to be engaged in, conducted or carried on,
massages or baths.
Massage Therapy means the manipulation of the superficial and deep layers of the muscle and
connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, or
promote relaxation and well-being with the hand, fingers, elbows, knees, feet and legs.
Massage involves working and acting upon the body with pressure through structured and
unstructured, stationary, or moving tension, motion, or vibration, performed manually or with
mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or
other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, organs or the gastrointestinal system.
Target tissue specifically excludes the genitals or female breasts.
IF DESCRIPTION DOES NOT APPLY, SEE:
Massage Therapist (Ord. §4-35)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Print legibly and complete all sections to ensure efficient processing.
2. Assemble all required information and materials before filing application.
3. Thoroughly review all applicable Municipal Code Sections listed above.
4. Licenses expire on the last day of February.
5. Add 10% to license fee for renewal after February 28.
6. Include $5.00 license application fee payable to City of South Bend.
7. License fee payable to City of South Bend due at issuance - $200.00