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

Every massage establishment and every out-call massage business in Fairfield must hold a permit issued under Fairfield Municipal Code Section 10A.15 before opening; operating without one is unlawful. The owner applies to the finance director and pays a nonrefundable investigation fee set by City Council resolution, and the chief of police investigates and recommends approval or denial to the city manager under Sections 10A.17 and 10A.19. Applicants submit fingerprints, two recent photographs, a full name and address history, business license history, and any felony or moral-turpitude convictions under Section 10A.18.

The city manager must deny the permit if the applicant has a disqualifying criminal record, a suspended or revoked massage license anywhere, an outstanding warrant, or Sex Offender Registration Act obligations under Section 10A.20. Every therapist working on the premises, including independent contractors, must hold current CAMTC certification, and the permit holder must notify the police chief immediately if any therapist's CAMTC card is suspended or revoked under Section 10A.11. Establishments cannot open before 7 a.m. or stay open past 10 p.m., must keep separate male and female dressing and toilet facilities, cannot lock massage room doors during a session, and must post a list of services and prices under Sections 10A.5, 10A.7 and 10A.9.

A permit runs for two years, and renewal applications are due at least 30 days before expiration; no reapplication is accepted for one year after a denial or revocation under Section 10A.21(c). Sale or transfer of the business voids the permit unless the city approves the transfer in advance under Section 10A.13. Denials and revocations can be appealed to the city council within ten days under Section 10A.22.