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Turlock updates massage-business code to require CAMTC certification and inspections
Summary
Council approved an update to Turlock Municipal Code Title 6, Chapter 9 to align local rules with state law, require CAMTC-certified therapists, allow business permits for non‑certified owner‑operators, and create inspection and enforcement authority with a compliance grace period.
The Turlock City Council unanimously approved a proposal to repeal and replace Title 6, Chapter 9 of the Turlock Municipal Code governing massage establishments.
Sergeant Paul Winterbitson of the Turlock Police Department presented the item, saying the proposed code would require massage therapists practicing in Turlock to hold California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification, while allowing establishments whose owners are not CAMTC certified to obtain a police business permit. The changes also expand inspection authority for police and other city officials, create a grace period for businesses to come into compliance, and give the city authority to declare repeat violators a nuisance and pursue administrative fines or criminal prosecution where warranted.
Winterbitson said the local permit process duplicated work done by CAMTC and that aligning city code with recognized state certification standards would raise minimum industry standards, reduce illegal activity and better protect public health. He noted neighboring jurisdictions have similar rules and that some cities provide grandfathering for long‑standing businesses; Turlock’s proposal would exempt businesses that have maintained a police permit in good standing for three years prior to 11/01/2025, but the exemption would not transfer on a change of ownership.
Council members asked about outreach and grandfathering; Winterbitson said the department has begun educational outreach to both CAMTC‑certified and non‑certified businesses and that grandfathering would be limited to businesses that have maintained permits in good standing for the stated period. After public comment (no speakers asked to address this item at the hearing), the council moved and approved the ordinance update, recorded in the minutes as a 5–0 vote.
The city will implement the new permitting and inspection procedures, provide education to affected businesses and apply the grandfathering rules to eligible existing establishments.
