Chico, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Community Development Department
- Practitioners must be
- CAMTC-certified
- Max criminal fine
- $500, 6 months jail
- Max civil penalty
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
Chico requires a massage establishment permit from the Community Development Department before operating, plus a business license and CAMTC-certified practitioners.
It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment or structural integration establishment within the city without first obtaining a massage establishment or structural establishment permit from the Community Development Department, and otherwise complying with the requirements of this code, including but not limited to, obtaining a business license.
B. On or after the effective date of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for a massage establishment or structural integration establishment operator to employ or retain any person to practice massage therapy or structural integration for compensation, or to allow any person to perform massage therapy or structural integration for compensation on the premises of a massage establishment or structural integration establishment, unless that person is a certified massage professional certified structural integrator and unless that person is identified as an authorized massage professional or certified structural integrator on the permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, a massage establishment or structural integration operator "employs or retains" a person to practice massage therapy or structural integration for compensation when:
1. That person is a directly paid employee of the massage establishment or structural integration establishment; or
2. That person's association with a massage or structural integration
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 5.44.070(A) makes it unlawful to operate a massage or structural integration establishment in the city without first obtaining a massage or structural integration establishment permit from the Community Development Department and a business license. Section 5.44.070(B) also bars employing anyone to perform massage for compensation unless that person is a CAMTC-certified massage professional listed on the permit. The chapter, adopted by Ord. 2617, exists to prevent massage businesses from being used as fronts for trafficking or prostitution.
Violations & Fines
Any violation is a public nuisance abatable by injunction and a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or six months in jail under § 5.44.210(B); the City can also seek a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation, and each day and each client served in violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a massage business in Chico with just a state CAMTC certificate?
Are chiropractors and physical therapists covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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