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Federal Way adopts new massage business rules with exemption process for licensed therapists
Summary
Council enacted a new massage‑business ordinance July 7 that adds licensing checks, restricts cash and certain internal alarm systems, and creates a one‑year limited exemption for appropriately licensed, inspected providers; local therapists and industry groups urged a ready exemption process before enforcement.
The Federal Way City Council on July 7 enacted a new ordinance regulating massage businesses that includes a limited exemption for legitimately licensed massage therapists and businesses.
Assistant City Attorney Adam Gadbury summarized the ordinance’s requirements and the newly added exemption process. Under the new rules, a business seeking an exemption must provide evidence of a Federal Way business license endorsement, a roster of licensed massage therapists with proof of state licensure, government identification, and consent to an inspection by police, public health or fire officials. Exemptions would be issued within seven days of a successful inspection and remain valid for one year.
Several licensed practitioners and the Washington State Massage Therapy Association urged the council to ensure the exemption procedure is available before enforcement begins so legitimate therapists are not caught in regulatory uncertainty. "Businesses deserve a fair chance to understand the rules and comply from the beginning," said massage therapist Jen Chan, urging education and advance availability of application materials.
Deputy Chief Kyle Sumter and other staff said enforcement will be complaint‑driven and the department will provide outreach and an application process for the exemption. The council enacted the ordinance on second reading by unanimous vote.
Councilmembers and industry representatives also discussed the role of trolling and solicitation that legitimate practitioners face; the city accepted requests from the association to help create guidance for reporting and responding to harassment and illicit solicitations.
The ordinance text preserves state licensing requirements, requires conspicuous display of a valid license, and restricts cash transactions and internal alarm systems for non‑exempt businesses. Councilmembers said the measure seeks both to close illicit operations that pose criminal threats and to protect lawful practitioners who provide therapeutic care.
