The Federal Way City Council approved the Massage Business Ordinance No. 26-1043, as amended. The ordinance becomes effective August 9, 2026.  To read the ordinance, click on this link: Federal Way Massage Business Ordinance.

If you are a licensed massage therapist (LMT) who owns a massage practice or massage clinic within the City of Federal Way, it is important that you understand the requirements of the new ordinance and determine whether you want to apply for the Limited Exemption included in the final ordinance.

Why You Might Want to Apply For a Limited Exemption

As we have discussed in previous WSMTA Government Relations updates, the ordinance contains three provisions that generated significant concern among Federal Way massage therapists and WSMTA:

• Prohibiting locked entrance doors during business hours;
• Prohibiting internal warning systems; and
• Prohibiting cash transactions.

The ordinance was ultimately amended to create a Limited Exemption from these three regulations for qualifying massage businesses who want to be exempted from them.

The Exemption Is Not Automatic

If your massage practice or clinic wants to operate under the Limited Exemption, you must apply to the City of Federal Way and receive approval.

On 8/6/26, the City released its Limited Exemption Application for Massage Businesses. Massage business owners seeking the exemption should complete the application and carefully follow the City's instructions for submitting it. The applicant must also consent to an inspection of the massage business during normal business hours as part of the exemption process.

After the City receives a completed application, an inspection will be scheduled. Following the inspection, the inspection report and application will be submitted to the Office of the Chief of Police for review and final determination.

The City's application states that an approved Limited Exemption is valid for 365 days from the date of approval. A new application and approval are required before the exemption expires in order to maintain exempt status.

Federal Way Massage Business Exemption Application

You can find the Limited Exemption application by clicking on this link: Federal Way Massage Business Exemption Application

According to the City's application, completed applications should be returned to the Federal Way Police Department at:  deanna.patterson@federalwaywa.gov

All Federal Way Massage Businesses Should Review the New Ordinance

Whether or not you intend to apply for the Limited Exemption, if you own or operate a massage practice or massage clinic in Federal Way, you should become familiar with the entire ordinance.

The new ordinance creates local requirements applicable to massage businesses operating within Federal Way. Business owners should not assume that compliance with their Washington State massage license alone means that their business automatically complies with the new city ordinance.

Please read the ordinance and determine which provisions apply to your practice or clinic.

This Is Also a Good Time to Review Your Compliance with Washington Massage Laws

A significant portion of massage regulation incorporated into municipal massage ordinances comes from requirements that already apply to Washington LMTs under state law.

Federal Way massage business owners and LMTs should therefore use the implementation of this ordinance as an opportunity to make sure their practices are in compliance with the following laws and regulations related to massage therapy:

Chapter 18.108 RCW, and

Chapter 246-830 WAC

Review the provisions that pertain to you and your practice or clinic. This includes, but is not limited to, making sure that licenses are current, required credentials are properly displayed or available, identification requirements are followed, and that everyone performing massage therapy at the business is appropriately licensed and practicing within Washington's laws and professional requirements.

This is particularly important for massage clinic owners who employ LMTs or retain LMTs as independent contractors. The City's exemption application specifically requires disclosure of the massage therapists working at the business and verification of their Washington massage licenses and government-issued identification.

Massage Business Ordinance regulation 12.65.090 “Practice requirements and limitations – Responsibility of owner, director,manager, or other person in charge – Penalties”  lists numerous massage therapy WACs that are built into the Federal Way ordinance. Please pay special attention to these.

Other Federal Way Requirements May Apply to Your Business

The new Massage Business Ordinance is not the only City of Federal Way regulation that may apply to your massage practice or clinic. Depending upon your business location and circumstances, your practice or clinic may also be subject to Federal Way requirements involving business licensing, zoning and land use, home occupations, signs, building and occupancy requirements, and fire and life-safety codes.

WSMTA encourages Federal Way massage business owners to make sure that their businesses comply not only with the new Massage Business Ordinance and Washington massage laws under Chapter 18.108 RCW and Chapter 246-830 WAC, but also with other applicable City requirements.

The Ordinance Becomes Effective August 9, 2026.

If you intend to seek the Limited Exemption, we encourage you to review the application and begin the process as soon as possible. Remember that submitting an application does not itself grant the exemption. The City's process includes an inspection followed by review and final determination by the Chief of Police or the Chief's designee.

WSMTA also encourages every Federal Way massage practice and clinic owner — whether applying for the exemption or not — to review the ordinance before its effective date and make sure your business is prepared to comply with the requirements that apply to you.

WSMTA will continue to share information with Federal Way massage therapists as we learn more about how the ordinance and Limited Exemption process are implemented.

Washington State Massage Therapy Association (WSMTA)
Government Relations Program