Bakersfield massage establishments must hold a city business tax certificate, and individual practitioners need California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certification under state law SB 731.
California SB 731 preempts most local licensing of individual massage therapists and routes certification through CAMTC. Bakersfield retains zoning authority over massage establishments and requires a business tax certificate plus compliance with municipal code chapters governing nuisance establishments. Operators must keep a posted CAMTC certificate copy for each practitioner, maintain client records, and meet building lighting and visibility standards aimed at preventing illicit activity. BPD vice and code enforcement inspect periodically.
Operating without CAMTC certification or city business license can result in establishment closure, fines up to $1,000 per violation, and possible criminal misdemeanor charges with state license revocation.
See how Bakersfield's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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