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El Paso, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State agency
Texas Dept of Licensing/Regulation
Local code
El Paso Municipal Code Ch. 7
Buffer rules
Apply to sexually-oriented businesses
Daily fine cap
Up to $500

Summary

El Paso massage establishments must obtain a city business license under Chapter 7 and verify therapists hold current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) credentials before performing any therapeutic massage services.

Sec. 455.005. EFFECT ON LOCAL LAW. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter supersedes any regulation adopted by a political subdivision of this state relating to the licensing or regulation of massage therapists.(b) Subject to Subsections (b-1), (c), (c-1), and (c-2), this chapter does not affect a local regulation that:(1) relates to:(A) zoning requirements, including conditional use permits;(B) hours of operation; or(C) other regulations similar to those described by Paragraph (A) or (B) for massage establishments;(2) authorizes or requires an investigation into the background of an owner or operator of, or an investor in, a massage establishment.

Source: El Paso Development ServicesView official code

Full Breakdown

Massage businesses operate under TDLR state licensing (Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455) plus El Paso Municipal Code Chapter 7 business registration. Each therapist must hold an active TDLR license; the establishment must hold a state massage establishment license. El Paso requires a Certificate of Occupancy and zoning compliance under Title 20. Sexually-oriented services are governed separately under Chapter 18 with stricter buffer rules near schools, churches, and residential zones. Inspections by EPPD vice and city code occur on complaint basis.

Violations & Fines

Operating an unlicensed massage establishment, allowing unlicensed therapists, or violating zoning buffers can result in fines up to $500 per day, license revocation, and possible criminal referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a state and city license to run a massage business in El Paso?
Yes. TDLR issues the state establishment license and individual therapist licenses; El Paso adds a local business registration, certificate of occupancy, and zoning approval.
Are home-based massage practices allowed in El Paso?
Generally no in residential zones unless the home meets home-occupation rules in Title 20 with no walk-in clients, no signage, and no employees beyond residents.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in El Paso

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All El Paso rules

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