Fairfax County officials propose updates to massage ordinance for illicit activity prevention

Fairfax County officials are taking significant steps to address issues surrounding the massage industry with proposed updates to the county's Massage Ordinance. During the Safety and Security Committee meeting on May 20, 2025, representatives from the Health Department and the Department of Cable and Consumer Services presented a conceptual overview of the changes aimed at strengthening regulations and improving enforcement.

Jessica Werder, Deputy Director of Public Health Operations, emphasized the need for updates to the existing ordinance, which has not been amended in over 25 years. The current regulations, established in 2000, govern massage therapy establishments and services but have become outdated in addressing illicit activities within the industry. The proposed changes are a response to a joint board matter introduced in March 2020, which called for a coordinated plan to tackle illicit massage operations in the county.

The committee discussed the importance of enhancing the ordinance to include stricter licensing requirements for establishment owners and to ensure that enforcement resides within an agency with existing inspection authority. This move is expected to provide a more robust framework for regulating massage establishments and addressing concerns related to illegal practices.

The meeting also highlighted the collaborative efforts of various departments, including the Health Department and law enforcement, to share information and develop a comprehensive approach to the issue. The proposed updates are still in the conceptual stage, and the committee is seeking feedback from board members before moving forward with formal recommendations.

As Fairfax County continues to refine its approach to public safety and health regulations, these proposed changes to the Massage Ordinance represent a proactive step towards ensuring the integrity of the massage industry and protecting community interests. The committee plans to gather further input and outline next steps in the coming months.