(A) The State of Iowa licenses massage therapists and businesses in Iowa Code Chapter152C. State licensed massage therapists and businesses offering therapy services perform an important service in addressing the health and well being of Urbandale's residents. Unfortunately, there are businesses that advertise they provide massage therapy and/or therapeutic services, but actually engage in various illegal activities, which may include prostitution and/or human trafficking. This chapter is not intended to discourage a legitimately licensed massage therapist or massage therapy business from providing their/its services in the City of Urbandale.
(B) The purpose of this chapter is to identify and address businesses that engage in the practice of massage therapy without a license and/or are involved in illegal activities, which may include prostitution and/or human trafficking. Businesses providing massage therapy yet conducting various types of illegal activity are harmful to the Urbandale community and the massage therapy profession.
(Ord. 2018-05, passed 4-24-2018)