Anaheim, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Operator's permit required
- Yes, before any massage operation begins
- Issuing authority
- Planning Director, after Police Chief investigation
- Mobile massage
- Not permitted anywhere in the City
- Annual business tax
- $300 per operator/practitioner
- Reapplication after revocation
- Barred for 12 months
Summary
No one may operate a massage establishment in Anaheim without an operator's permit issued by the Planning Director under Municipal Code Section 18.16.070, following a Police Chief background investigation. Mobile massage is banned citywide, massage in motels is barred outside three named resort specific plans, and operators also owe a $300 annual business tax.
No person shall operate a massage establishment within the City without first obtaining an operator's permit pursuant to Sections 18.16.070.030 and 18.16.070.040 of this chapter. The operator's permit required by this section shall be in addition to any business license required by this Code. Mobile massage operations are not permitted within the City. All massage activities must occur within a massage establishment, as permitted by this section. Massage establishments are prohibited within Motels...except as permitted in Chapter 18.114 (Disneyland Resort Specific Plan No. 92-1...), Chapter 18.116 (Anaheim Resort Specific Plan No. 92-2...) and Chapter 18.118 (Hotel Circle Specific Plan No. 93-1...).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Code: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026 | Zoning: Local legislation current through Ord. 6627, passed 8-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
020) states plainly that "no person shall operate a massage establishment within the City without first obtaining an operator's permit," and that permit is separate from and additional to any business license. 118 (Hotel Circle Specific Plan), reflecting Anaheim's resort-area zoning overlays. 030), the operator applies on a City form filed with the Planning Director, who refers every application to the Chief of Police for investigation, and pays a filing fee set by City Council resolution. If ownership is anything other than a sole proprietorship, the entity must designate one responsible managing officer to sign the application and answer for the establishment; if none is named within 90 days, the permit is automatically canceled.
Applicants must disclose the business address, ownership type, a detailed list of services offered, and, where applicable, a copy of the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certificate under Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq. 16 permit requirements.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 18.16's general penalty at Section 18.16.040(.030) makes any violation of the chapter's provisions a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The Planning Director may also suspend or revoke an operator's permit for good cause, including operating without required City, County or State licenses, misrepresenting material facts on the application, or conducting the business in a manner detrimental to public health or safety; a revoked permit forfeits its fees and the operator cannot reapply for twelve months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I offer mobile massage services in Anaheim without a fixed location?
Can a hotel in Anaheim offer massage services to guests?
What happens if my Anaheim massage business is caught operating without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
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