Susquehanna Township tables rewrite of massage-establishment rules after industry concerns

The Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners on March 26 held a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-03, a proposed repeal-and-replace of the township’s massage-establishment regulations, then voted to table the measure for further stakeholder outreach.

Township Solicitor Michael Miller opened the hearing, and Mack Breech, the township’s Zoning and Planning Administrator, said staff had retooled the ordinance to update definitions and licensing to reflect contemporary massage and alternative-therapy practice. Key changes staff described include recognizing mentorship and similar programs as a “Recognized School,” allowing licensed independent contractors to offer services in licensed establishments, clarifying that premises may not be used as a dwelling (unless zoning permits), and moving license expirations to Dec. 31 with renewals due at least 10 business days before expiration.

Local practitioners used the hearing to press for technical clarifications. Tom Kramer, a massage therapist and former educator and state-board member, said massage therapy is a legitimate profession and urged respectful treatment of industry members. Rachel Benbow asked whether the draft’s sanitation language would require disinfecting all floors (she noted carpeted floors present challenges), how package or discount pricing would be handled, whether tables covered with sheets still require disinfection, and how the ordinance would define “closing.” Ian Thomas asked whether businesses that operate by appointment would be required to have staff on duty at all times and said fines in the draft could be prohibitive for small operators. Several speakers, including Bethany Butler and Holly Evans, said licensing procedures and on-line guidance were unclear and requested clearer instructions. Practitioner Ricki Freeman described her Reiki practice and encouraged the Board to meet directly with industry representatives.

Breech and Solicitor Miller said staff recommend tabling the ordinance, readvertising it, and convening education sessions with stakeholders to address the detailed operational and enforcement questions raised. Commissioner Sean Sanderson moved to table the ordinance; Commissioner Steven Napper seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.

The Board did not adopt the ordinance. Staff said the measure will be readvertised and returned to a future workshop after additional stakeholder outreach and an education session.

Ordinance 2026-03 is recorded on the township agenda as a repeal-and-replace of Chapter 13, Part 4 (Massage Establishments); specific fee amounts, final sanitation language, and any proposed fines were not finalized and were described during the hearing as items for further work.