Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Merced County

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

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permitting agency: Merced County Sheriff
Establishment filing fee: $500, nonrefundable
Worker filing fee: $100, nonrefundable
Training requirement: 180 hours over 3 months, or 2 years' experience
Permit term: 1 year, renewable annually
Health certificate window: Within 30 days of application

Summary

Merced County requires a county permit before anyone opens a massage establishment or school of massage, and every masseur, masseuse, instructor, or trainee must separately hold their own permit before working, following a $500 or $100 filing fee, background check, and physician's health certificate.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct, or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted, or carried on, in or upon any premises in the county the operation of a massage establishment as defined in Section 6.36.020 without first having obtained a permit from the county after approval by the requisite county officers. It is unlawful for any person to act as a masseur, masseuse, instructor, trainee, or to take any other position of employment with a massage establishment or school of massage without first having obtained a permit from the county after approval by the requisite county officers.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).

Full Breakdown

030). 040). 050). 060). 130). 160). 180).

Violations & Fines

The Sheriff can refuse, suspend, or revoke a massage permit under Section 6.36.150 for operating without regard to public health, violating any provision of the chapter, disqualifying criminal history within seven years, prostitution registration, or refusing to allow a building inspector, police officer, or health officer to inspect the premises; a permit holder can appeal any refusal, suspension, or revocation to the Board of Supervisors under Section 6.36.160.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Merced County require a license for a massage business?

Yes. Section 6.36.030 makes it unlawful to operate a massage establishment or school of massage, or to work as a masseur, masseuse, instructor, or trainee, in the unincorporated county without a permit issued after approval by the requisite county officers.

How much does a Merced County massage permit cost?

Section 6.36.040 sets a nonrefundable $500 filing fee for a massage establishment or school of massage, and a separate nonrefundable $100 filing fee for each individual masseur, masseuse, instructor, or trainee who applies to work at one.

What training does a Merced County masseur need?

Section 6.36.060 requires a diploma from a recognized school of massage with at least 180 class hours completed over a minimum of three months, or as a substitute, two years of documented bona fide experience as a masseur or masseuse attested to in writing.

Can the county revoke a massage establishment permit?

Yes. Section 6.36.150 lets the Sheriff refuse, suspend, or revoke a permit for code violations, disqualifying convictions within the last seven years, prostitution registration, or health and sanitation failures, and the permittee can appeal that decision to the Board of Supervisors.

Sources & Official References

[1]Merced County Code Chapter 6.36 (Massage Parlors and Schools of Massage) - eCode360

Other rules in Merced County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions PawnbrokersSome Restrictions Tattoo & Body ModificationSome Restrictions Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy Restrictions Adult EntertainmentSignificant Restrictions Secondhand DealersSome Restrictions Tobacco Retail LicenseSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Merced County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Merced County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.