Business Licensing & Operations, High Point

High Point maintains 110 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where High Point falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Massage Establishments

High Point requires a city council-approved privilege license before anyone can operate a massage business or work as a massagist, under §§ 11-6-3 and 11-6-4. Applicants submit fingerprints, photos and a physician's certificate, pass police, fire and inspections review, and can only operate between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Licensed hospitals, clinics and registered massage therapists working under a physician are exempt.

Key details: License authority: High Point City Council. Business license: § 11-6-3, police/fire/inspections review. Individual license: § 11-6-4, fingerprints + medical certificate. Operating hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. only. Minor clients: Barred without physician's written order.

Operating or working without the required privilege license, employing an unlicensed massagist, admitting customers outside the 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. window, or massaging someone under 18 without a physician's order are each grounds for the city council to revoke the license after certified-mail notice and a hearing under § 11-6-7. Beyond revocation, § 11-6-11 exposes violators to civil penalties under § 1-1-4 and G.S. § 160A-175, and massaging private parts for hire is a separate offense under § 11-6-13.

Compared to other cities, High Point takes a harder line on massage establishments. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Adult Entertainment

High Point requires a city-issued license for sexually oriented businesses and keeps adult entertainment establishments at least 1,200 feet from each other and 650 feet from schools, parks, and churches.

Key details: From other adult use: 1,200 feet minimum. From schools/parks/churches: 650 feet minimum. Max floor area: 3,000 square feet. Business license fee: $500 (Sec. 11-7-3).

Operating an adult entertainment establishment inside the 1,200-foot or 650-foot separation buffers, or without the required sexually oriented business license, violates Development Ordinance § 4.3.4.A and Code § 11-7-3.

This is one of the stricter rules in High Point's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Towing Companies

High Point police and city officials may only impound and tow vehicles through a wrecker company under contract with the city, with towing and storage fees fixed by that contract.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 10-1-54. Who may tow: City or contracted wrecker company. Fees: Set by city-wrecker contract. Notice: Owner notified per § 10-1-198.

Impounded owners are billed the contract-set towing and storage fee; a wrecker company that violates its city contract terms forfeits the contract under § 10-1-54(d).

Tattoo & Body Modification

High Point's Development Ordinance classifies tattoo and body-piercing shops as a Personal Service use type and confines them by right to the General Business (GB) zoning district and the Southwest Mill Overlay, per Table 4.1.9's Principal Use Table.

Key details: Permitted district: GB only. Overlay allowed: Southwest Mill Overlay. Elsewhere: Prohibited by omission. Governing table: Table 4.1.9.

Opening or operating a tattoo or body-piercing studio outside the GB district or the Southwest Mill Overlay is an unpermitted use under § 4.1.5, subjecting the operator to a zoning stop-work order, denial of occupancy, or civil penalty.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. High Point actively enforces its tattoo & body modification requirements.

The Bottom Line

High Point is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in High Point, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that High Point can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.