Massage Establishment Licenses

The Village of Ashwaubenon requires massage establishments operating within the Village to be licensed under Chapter 6, Article 15 of the Municipal Code. These requirements are intended to protect public health and safety, ensure services are provided by properly licensed professionals, and prevent illegal or unsafe activity.

Any business meeting the definition of a massage establishment under the ordinance must obtain a Village-issued massage establishment license before operating.

A massage establishment is a fixed, physical place of business where massage therapy or bodywork therapy services are offered to the public.

A separate Village license is required for each physical business location.

This license is required in addition to any state licensing requirements for individual massage therapists or bodywork therapists.

The following are not required to obtain a massage establishment license:

• Medical offices and clinics operated by physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, nurses, or physical therapists licensed under Wisconsin law
• Barber shops and beauty parlors where massage services are limited to the head and scalp
• A single-person establishment operated by one Wisconsin-licensed massage therapist or bodywork therapist, provided the individual is the sole owner and operator and does not employ or contract with others

If you are unsure whether your business qualifies for an exemption, contact the Village Clerk’s office.

Applications for a massage establishment license must be received by the Village Clerk no later than May 20, 2026.

Licenses are issued on a calendar-year basis, January 1 through December 31. For 2026 only, license fees will be prorated for the licensing period beginning July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

The annual licensing fee is $350 per establishment; for 2026, the prorated fee is $175.

Applications must be submitted on the form provided by the Village Clerk and must be complete at the time of submission. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Required materials include:

• A completed and signed application form
• A detailed floor plan showing areas where massage or bodywork therapy will occur
• Proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence
• Any additional information requested as part of the Village review process

All license fees are due at the time of application and are non-refundable.

Completed applications are reviewed by Village staff, including public safety and community development staff, and forwarded to the Public Works and Protection Committee for action.

The Committee will review the application and determine whether to grant or deny the license. Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome. Denied applicants have the right to appeal in accordance with the ordinance.

Massage establishment licenses are valid for the calendar year in which they are issued.

Renewal applications are due on or before December 1 each year. Timely renewal ensures consideration before the current license expires on December 31.

Licensed massage establishments must comply with all operational requirements in Chapter 6, Article 15, including but not limited to:

• Hours of operation limited to 5:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m.
• All massage and bodywork therapy services must be provided by individuals licensed by the State of Wisconsin
• Maintenance of therapist records, including proof of licensure and identification
• Display of the Village-issued establishment license during all hours of operation
• Allowing inspections during business hours
• Reporting suspected unlawful activity
• Notifying the Village Clerk of changes in ownership, operations, or personnel

Operating a massage establishment without a required license, or violating the ordinance, may result in citations, forfeitures, license suspension or revocation, or other enforcement action as provided by law.

• Massage Establishment Application Form