# 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.

## § 4-1 “Body studio” defined.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-1 (2026)

(a) 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) “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*

## § 4-2 Exceptions.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-2 (2026)

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*

## § 4-3 Body studios prohibited.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-3 (2026)

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*

## § 4-4 Penalties.

Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 4-4 (2026)

(a) 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) If any violation be continuing, each day’s violation shall be deemed a separate violation.

*History: Ord. 76-164*