Corona, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- § 5.28.030, plus business license
- Therapist certification
- CAMTC certification required
- Operating hours
- closed 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Patron records retained
- 24 months, confidential
- Fee authority
- set by Council resolution, § 5.28.100
- Enforcement
- public nuisance, § 5.28.140(B)
Summary
Corona requires anyone operating a massage establishment to obtain a permit from the Chief of Police under Corona Code of Ordinances § 5.28.030, on top of a standard business license. Every massage therapist must hold current California Massage Therapy Council certification, and establishments must close to patrons between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
No person shall operate a massage establishment within the city without first obtaining a massage establishment permit pursuant to §§ 5.28.035 and 5.28.040 of this chapter, securing the necessary business license as required by this code and complying with Title 5 of this code. Permits are in effect when approved by the Chief of Police and shall be for a uniform period of time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-56: Supplement contains: Local legislation passed through Ord. 3423, passed 12-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
040 by the Chief of Police, in addition to the city's standard business license and compliance with Title 5. 020(M), and a description of any other business the operator runs in the city or state. 050(A)(1) are satisfied and final inspection approval obtained. , all patrons must be excluded from the premises during those hours, and the posted business hours must be visible in the lobby and front window. 050(A)(17) requires a treatment record for every patron, including a short medical history, retained for 24 months and kept confidential, open only to officials enforcing the chapter.
100, which also directs an annual Health Services Fee paid directly to the Riverside County Health Services Agency for its role administering the chapter. 015 state the permit and inspection scheme exists because massage businesses 'involve significant intimate contact between persons' and courts have found some establishments 'operated as brothels in disguise,' justifying the Chief of Police's screening authority.
Violations & Fines
Operating a massage establishment without a permit, or violating its operating standards, is declared a public nuisance under § 5.28.140(B); the city may seek abatement, injunctive relief, or a court order stopping the business, in addition to or instead of criminal prosecution under Chapter 1.08. Unauthorized disclosure of confidential patron treatment records is separately a misdemeanor under § 5.28.050(A)(17).
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can a massage establishment operate in Corona?
Do massage therapists in Corona need a separate certification?
What happens if a massage establishment operates without a Corona permit?
How long must patron treatment records be kept?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corona
California rules heatmap·Compare Corona 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.
Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle massage establishments.