Ad-Hoc Committee: Bath House Regulations Updated; Removes 60-Day Licensing Window

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee approved updates to the regulations governing bath houses and massage parlors, removing obsolete language that allowed a 60-day grace period for licensing. The ordinance maintains strict operational restrictions, including a prohibition on opposite-sex employees appearing nude before patrons.

Bath House Ordinance Key Points:

• Ordinance Approved: Ordinance #26-4248 amends Chapter 118: Bath Houses and Massage Parlors.

• Grace Period Removed: The committee voted to strike Section 118.02(B), which allowed a 60-day window for businesses to obtain a license after the chapter’s passage, requiring immediate licensure instead.

• Terminology Retained: The committee retained the term “Massage Parlor” to align with state statutes, specifically 55 ILCS 5/5-1097.

• Committee Name Change: References to the “Health and Human Services Committee” were updated to the “Public Health and Safety Committee” throughout the text.

JOLIET — The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, approved Ordinance #26-4248, updating Chapter 118 of the county code regarding bath houses and massage parlors.

The most significant change came from the floor during the meeting. Committee Member Dawn Bullock noted that Section 118.02(B) contained language stating, “Commencing 60 days after passage of this chapter, all bath houses and massage parlors… must be licensed.”

“I’m feeling like we don’t need that anymore,” Bullock said, arguing that it could imply a new 60-day grace period for unlicensed operations.

Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Mock confirmed the language was obsolete. “We can do it. I can tell you right now we don’t have any that fell into that,” Mock said.

Following discussion, Member Bullock moved to amend the ordinance by striking Section 118.02(B) entirely and removing the letter “(A)” from the preceding paragraph, effectively mandating that no person shall operate such a business without a valid license, effective immediately. The amendment passed unanimously.

The ordinance defines a “Bath House” as a commercial business offering facilities for taking a regular bath, shower, steam bath, sauna, or hot tub for a fee. It explicitly exempts businesses where bath services are merely an adjunct to other services.

The committee also briefly discussed the terminology “Massage Parlors.” Chair Jacqueline Traynere questioned the continued use of the term, noting modern establishments are typically referred to as spas or massage therapy centers. Mock explained the term is derived directly from the state statute authorizing the regulation (55 ILCS 5/5-1097) and is intended to target “old-fashioned” definitions distinct from licensed naprapathic or chiropractic services, which are explicitly exempt under Section 118.01.

The ordinance retains strict operating restrictions. Section 118.07 prohibits female employees from appearing nude before male patrons and vice versa. It also mandates that such businesses must be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

The license fee remains set at $2,000 per year under Section 118.04.