Business Licensing & Operations in Norfolk, VA

If you live in Norfolk or are thinking about moving there, business licensing & operations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Norfolk has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of business licensing & operations, and some of them might surprise you.

Massage Establishments

Norfolk requires anyone operating a massage or bodywork business, defined in its code as a 'health parlor,' to hold an operator's permit from the director of public health before opening. Individual masseurs and masseuses need 200 hours of accredited training, and since July 1, 1997 anyone billed as a massage therapist must be certified by the Board of Nursing.

Key details: Permit issued to: Individual operator only, non-transferable. Practitioner training: 200 hours, accredited school. State certification since: July 1, 1997 (Board of Nursing). Penalty: Class 2 misdemeanor, $1,000/6 mo.. Issuing authority: Director of Public Health.

Operating without the permit, or otherwise violating Chapter 21, is a Class 2 misdemeanor under § 21-3(a): up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, or both. An employee who performs masseur, masseuse or massage-therapist duties in violation of the chapter is separately guilty under § 21-3(b), with each day of unlawful employment, and each unlawful touching of a different patron, charged as its own offense.

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

Secondhand Dealers

Norfolk requires anyone buying or canvassing for secondhand furniture, appliances, or similar goods to hold a one-year police-issued permit, pay a $100 application fee plus $25 per employee, and post a $10,000 bond before operating.

Key details: Permit issuer: Chief of police or designee. Application fee: $100 plus $25 per employee. Permit term: 1 year, renewable. Required bond: $10,000 surety bond or letter of credit. Disqualifying record: Felony/moral turpitude conviction within 7 years.

Operating as a secondhand or junk dealer without the required permit, or violating the recordkeeping, reporting, or bonding requirements of Chapter 38, is a Class 4 misdemeanor unless a more specific penalty applies (Sec. 38-1(a)). A false statement on a permit application voids the permit as though it had never been issued (Sec. 38-2.6), and a conviction for violating the article is separate grounds for the issuing officer to revoke the permit (Sec. 38-2).

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

Towing Companies

Norfolk requires any private property owner who wants unauthorized vehicles towed to post specific signage at every entrance under City Code § 25-300, naming the towing firm and its phone number. A towing firm may not remove a vehicle from private property without the property owner's written consent, or under a standing contract, under § 25-301, and violating that consent rule is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Key details: Governing sections: §§ 25-300 and 25-301. Consent requirement: Written owner consent or contract. Sign size: 36 in. wide, 30 in. tall. Top-line lettering: At least 3 inches tall. Non-consent tow penalty: Class 2 misdemeanor.

Section 25-301(c) states plainly that any person violating the provisions of that section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor, exposing a towing firm that removes a vehicle without consent or a compliant standing agreement to up to six months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine under the city's general misdemeanor classification, § 1-10(a)(2). Section 25-300 itself carries no separate stated penalty for a missing or noncompliant sign.

Tattoo & Body Modification

Norfolk requires anyone running a tattoo parlor to hold a permit from the director of the Department of Public Health under Section 43.1-11, display it for public viewing, and pay an $1,800 annual fee set by Section 43.1-14. Section 43.1-6 bans temporary or mobile tattoo parlors outright, and Section 43.1-5 makes scarification and branding of a human unlawful for anyone, permit or not. Section 43.1-1 makes any violation of the chapter a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Key details: Permit required: From Dept. of Public Health director (Sec. 43.1-11). Annual fee: $1,800, prorated after July 1 (Sec. 43.1-14). Plan review fee: $200 before opening (Sec. 43.1-13). Mobile parlors: Banned outright (Sec. 43.1-6). Scarification/branding: Unlawful for anyone (Sec. 43.1-5).

Section 43.1-1 makes any violation of the tattoo parlor chapter, including operating without a permit or performing scarification or branding, a Class 1 misdemeanor, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense. Refusing to let the director inspect the parlor under Section 43.1-8 is itself grounds for suspending the permit. Continuing to tattoo after a suspension, revocation, or emergency closure under Section 43.1-16(d) is independently unlawful for both the operator and the tattooer.

Compared to other cities, Norfolk takes a harder line on tattoo & body modification. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pawnbrokers

Norfolk pawnbrokers hold a city-issued license that can be revoked on conviction for violating Chapter 38, must keep detailed daily transaction records, and are capped at interest rates from five to ten percent monthly depending on loan size.

Key details: Monthly interest cap, loans <=$25: 10 percent. Monthly interest cap, $25-$100 loans: 7 percent. Monthly interest cap, loans >=$100: 5 percent. Storage fee cap: 5 percent of amount loaned, monthly. Minimum hold before resale: 30 days plus 15-day grace period.

A pawnbroker convicted of violating Chapter 38 can have the pawnbroker license revoked at the discretion of the officer who issued it, on top of any court-imposed penalty (Sec. 38-2). Because pawnbrokers are licensed, a Chapter 38 violation is also treated as a prohibited practice under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, exposing the pawnbroker to that Act's separate enforcement provisions (Sec. 38-1(b)). Absent a more specific penalty, violations of the chapter are Class 4 misdemeanors.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Norfolk actively enforces its pawnbrokers requirements.

The Bottom Line

Norfolk is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Norfolk, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Norfolk's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.