Rowan County, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Section 11-36 makes it unlawful to work as a massagist or operate a massage parlor in unincorporated Rowan County without a license issued under Chapter 11. S. Chapter 14, Articles 26 or 27, anyone under 18, or anyone who has already violated the chapter from holding a license. Applicants must submit to fingerprinting under Section 11-38, with prints forwarded to the state bureau of investigation, the FBI or other law enforcement agencies. The Board of Commissioners issues licenses valid for one year, renewable annually, under Section 11-39, and a licensee must display the license and a copy of the chapter in a prominent place under Section 11-41, while each massagist posts a license in the work area.

Section 11-3 sets 18 as the minimum age both to work as a massagist and to be massaged, absent direction from a licensed health professional. , and Section 11-5 bars massaging certain body areas in the course of business. Massage parlor licensees must supervise employees under Section 11-7, and the sheriff or a deputy may inspect the business during open hours under Section 11-8. The Board of Commissioners must revoke the license of any licensee found to have violated the chapter under Section 11-42, but only after written notice of the grounds and a chance to answer.