Arcadia, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Division 8 of Article VI, Chapter 4 regulates massage therapy. Section 6418.3 bars any massage therapy business in a structure unless the zone permits the use and a Conditional Use Permit has been obtained under Division 5 of Part 7 of Chapter 2 of Article IX. The business must also meet building and zoning rules and the licensing requirements of the Division.

Section 6418.5 requires anyone owning or operating a massage business to obtain a Massage Business License, which includes approval from Development Services, Planning Services that the location complies with zoning, building and other codes. The application to the Development Services Department must include the information every business license applicant supplies under Sections 6211 to 6211.5, a dated statement under penalty of perjury that the application is true, a dated statement that the applicant has received and understands the Division, the applicant's Massage Certificate or City Massage Verification Card if the applicant will practice, and proof of the Conditional Use Permit. Applicants pay a nonrefundable processing fee set by Council resolution under Section 6211.2.1.1. Licenses renew annually with a nonrefundable renewal fee (Section 6418.15).

Section 6418.4 makes it unlawful, from January 1, 2016, to perform massage in the City, including out-call, in-home or in-office work, without a valid Massage Certificate issued under Business and Professions Code Sections 4600 et seq. Each therapist files a certified copy with the Business License Division and receives a City of Arcadia Massage Verification Card at no fee. Owners cannot employ anyone who has not shown both documents (Section 6418.9).

Section 6418.8 bars massage between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., requires a massage begun before 9:00 p.m. to end at 9:00 p.m., and requires the hours to be posted. Hour changes must be reported at least seven calendar days ahead. Information changes must be reported within ten business days (Section 6418.17), and a therapist who stops offering massage must notify the Business License Office within fifteen business days (Section 6418.18). Section 6418.19 also bans nudity and sexual activity, and requires a parent or guardian's written permission before serving a minor.