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Massage Therapy Establishments

The purpose of Article 13-18 of the Fargo Municipal Code is to license and regulate massage therapy establishments in Fargo that conduct massage procedures as defined by North Dakota Century Code Chapter 42-25.


I'm a licensed massage therapy establishment owner; what do I need to know?

If you are currently licensed by the City of Fargo/Fargo Cass Public Health you do not have to reapply for licensure.

Licenses for 2024 will be sent out January 2, 2024.

  • The annual license fee for Massage Therapy Establishment owners is $50 per year. An invoice will be included when the renewal license is sent.
  • As of January 1, 2024, the penalty for ordinance violations will be a Class B misdemeanor.

I'm a new and/or unlicensed massage therapy establishment owner; what do I need to know?

New and/or unlicensed massage therapy establishments are required to complete a pre-operational inspection prior to opening for business. Please contact us at 701.476.6729 to get started.

  • New massage therapy establishment owners who have not been licensed by the NDBMT are required to complete a Fargo Police Department background check.

2024 License Options

If you wish to reorganize and/or realign your current licensing structure based on your business model or practice the options are:

  1. One owner with staff
    • One establishment owner who has LMTs that work directly for the establishment
    • Only the owner will pay $50 per year and assume full liability
  2. Owner with renters or lessees
    • One establishment owner who rents or leases to individual LMTs
    • The owner of the establishment will pay $50 per year and assume full liability
  3. Shared ownership
    • Multiple LMTs rent, lease, etc. one establishment but work independently from each other
    • Each LMT will pay $50 per year and assume individual liability, unless one LMT reapplies for a health license and assumes full liability for the establishment
  4. Sole ownership
    • One LMT owns, rents, leases, etc. their independent establishment
    • The sole owner will pay $50 per year and assume full liability

To make changes to your license or if you have questions about the licensing options, please contact us at 701.476.6729.