Business Licensing & Operations, Santa Monica

Santa Monica maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Santa Monica falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Massage Establishments

Massage establishments and massage technicians in Santa Monica must obtain a police permit in addition to a standard business license. State-licensed massage therapists may qualify for an exemption from the police permit requirement under Section 6.104.170.

Key details: Police permit: Required for massage establishments and massage technicians. Exemption: State-licensed massage therapists may qualify under § 6.104.170. Background check: Criminal history within 5 years reviewed by Chief of Police. After revocation: 12-month bar on obtaining a new permit. Renewal: Annual, same criteria as initial application.

Operating a massage establishment without a required police permit is a violation of the business license code. Permits can be suspended or revoked for any violation of applicable law or conduct that makes the business detrimental to public health or welfare. Revocation bars re-application for 12 months.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its massage establishments requirements.

Adult Entertainment

Adult entertainment (sexually-oriented) businesses may only operate in Santa Monica's designated commercial districts, must be at least 500 feet from schools, parks, libraries, churches, and residential zones, and at least 1,000 feet from any other adult business.

Key details: Permitted zones: MUB, MUBL, GC, Bergamot, Downtown commercial districts. Buffer from sensitive uses: 500 feet (schools, churches, parks, libraries, playgrounds, residential zones). Buffer from other adult businesses: 1,000 feet. Max adult businesses per building: One. License approval deadline: 30 days (auto-approved if City fails to act).

Operating a sexually-oriented business outside the permitted zones or buffer requirements is unlawful. Business licenses may be denied for violations or misrepresentations. Nonconforming uses that existed prior to September 27, 2005, were required to terminate by November 24, 2006, unless an extension was granted by the City Council.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its adult entertainment requirements.

Tobacco Retail License

All tobacco retailers in Santa Monica must hold a valid city tobacco retailer's license, renewed annually by June 30. Retailers must check ID for anyone appearing under 27, cannot display products within reach of customers, and may not sell from mobile locations.

Key details: License renewal deadline: 30 days before June 30 expiration. ID check age threshold: Persons appearing under 27. First violation suspension: Up to 30 days. Second violation suspension: Up to 90 days. Third violation: Revocation; no re-application for 5 years.

First violation: license may be suspended up to 30 days. Second violation within 5 years: suspended up to 90 days. Third violation within 5 years: license revoked. After revocation, no re-application at the same location for 5 years. All violations constitute a misdemeanor.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its tobacco retail license requirements.

The Bottom Line

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

These rules come from Santa Monica's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.