Petition to repeal the ordinance relating to regulations for Licensed Massage Therapists in Chesterfield County 

We, the undersigned, oppose and request the repeal of the Chesterfield County ordinance relating to regulations for massage clinics and licensed massage therapists.

Massage therapy is a complementary healthcare that has been practiced for thousands of years. Massage therapy has been widely accepted and recommended by many other health professionals. Massage therapy is a legitimate profession that deserves recognition and respect.

The ordinance adopted by the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors on September 27th 2023 would require both Licensed Massage Therapists and massage clinics to obtain a regulated permit from the county, the same type of permit that fortune tellers, adult stores and nightclubs have to obtain to function. Massage therapists are licensed and regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing therefore they do not need to be further permitted. The requirements stated for the permit are redundant to what is already in Code of Virginia Title 54.1.

The ordinance was passed by the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors without input from the massage community, with no clear plan for implementation and enforcement. The language in the ordinance is confusing and contradictory. The notice to only some of the businesses targeted for permitting arrived nearly 3 months after the time frame allotted for permitting had passed (adopted September 27th 2023, 60 day period to apply expired November 26th 2023, only notice sent undated and without a new due date mailed February 15th 2024).

We, the Chesterfield County massage community and those that support us through this petition, respectfully request action from the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors.

We request the full repeal of the ordinance and the refund of the fees taken from Licensed Massage Therapists that were compelled to apply for a permit they were exempt from needing. 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.