Subtitle 4 – Body Studios
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-1 (2026)
§ 4-1 “Body studio” defined.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
A “body studio” is any premises upon which is furnished for a fee or charge or other like consideration the opportunity:
(1)
to paint, massage, feel, handle, or touch the unclothed body or an unclothed portion of the body of another person;
(2)
to be so painted, massaged, felt, handled, or touched by another person; or
(3)
to observe, view, or photograph any such activity.
(b)Inclusions.
“Body studio” shall include any such premises:
(1)
which is advertised or represented in any manner whatsoever as a “body painting studio”, “model studio”, “art studio”, “sensitivity awareness studio”, or any other expression or characterization which conveys the same or similar meaning; and
(2)
which leads to the reasonable belief that there will be furnished on such premises for a fee or charge or other like consideration the opportunity:
(i)
to paint, massage, feel, handle, or touch the unclothed body or an unclothed portion of the body of another person;
(ii)
to be so painted, massaged, felt, handled, or touched by another person; or
(iii)
to observe, view, or photograph any such activity.
History: Ord. 76-164
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-2 (2026)
§ 4-2 Exceptions.LinkCopy Citation
The term body studio shall not be construed to mean:
(1)
premises licensed as a massage parlor under <cite data-path="|15">Article 15</cite> of the City Code;
(2)
weight control salons;
(3)
medical facilities duly licensed by the State of Maryland;
(4)
training facilities of any duly constituted athletic team;
(5)
educational institutions accredited by the State Department of Education;
(6)
any bona fide health spa or health club:
(i)
offering or providing massages solely incidental to the furnishing of facilities for and instruction in physical fitness; and
(ii)
actually occupying premises of not less than 3,000 square feet, of which not more than 10% is used for massages; or
(7)
any corporation or association which:
(i)
is organized and operated exclusively for social or athletic purposes;
(ii)
offers or provides massages solely incidental to the furnishing of facilities for such purposes; and
(iii)
actually occupies premises of not less than 3,000 square feet, of which area not more than 10% is used for massages.
History: Ord. 76-164
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-3 (2026)
§ 4-3 Body studios prohibited.LinkCopy Citation
It is unlawful for any person:
(1)
to operate, conduct, or maintain a body studio;
(2)
to knowingly conduct any business related thereto on the premises of a body studio; or
(3)
to knowingly be employed on such premises.
History: Ord. 76-164
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-4 (2026)
§ 4-4 Penalties.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this subtitle shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $500.
(b)Continuing violations.
If any violation be continuing, each day’s violation shall be deemed a separate violation.
History: Ord. 76-164