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

1 bars anyone from operating a massage establishment "without first obtaining a permit for those activities from the Chief of Police or designee," and both establishment operators and independent-contractor practitioners must separately hold a City business license before starting work. Existing establishments had two years from the 2019 ordinance (Ord. 19-1417, adopted September 24, 2019) to come into compliance. 3 makes it unlawful for anyone but a State-certified massage professional to give a commercial massage, and unlawful for an owner to employ anyone who isn't certified.

The Section 6554 permit application requires five years of employment and residence history, a list of convictions under Penal Code Sections 266i, 315, 316, 318 or 647(b) and Health and Safety Code Sections 11054 through 11058, fingerprints, two passport-quality photographs, proof the applicant is over 18, and proof of compliance with the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 4, whose decision after a de novo hearing is final. 1 sets detailed operating standards: records of every massage, including date, customer name and address, practitioner and type of massage, must be kept for two years and are open only to enforcement officials; massage tables must use waterproof, washable coverings with no mattresses or beds allowed; instruments must be sterilized between customers; and each establishment needs adequate ventilation, lighting, bathing and toilet facilities.

1 also bans sexual conduct on the premises, requires customers' genitals and, for female customers, breasts to stay covered, and bars alcohol or controlled substances anywhere on site. 2.