Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Alameda County

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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit issuer
County Sheriff
Certification required
CMTC
Coverage
Unincorporated area only
Max penalty
$500 fine / 6 months jail
Enacted by
Ord. No. 2018-18

Summary

Unincorporated Alameda County requires a sheriff-issued permit and CMTC certification before anyone may run a massage establishment, off-premises massage service, or work as a practitioner.

City-specific rules exist: Livermore, Fremont, Berkeley, Hayward, and San Leandro have their own massage establishments rules that differ from Alameda County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on...in or upon any premises in the unincorporated area of the County of Alameda the application of massage for compensation, the operation of a massage establishment or an off-premises massage service without first having obtained the appropriate permit from the sheriff and certification from the CMTC.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Alameda County Code Chapter 3.24 makes it unlawful to operate a massage establishment, off-premises massage service, or perform massage for compensation anywhere in the unincorporated area without a permit from the county sheriff and certification from the California Massage Therapy Council (CMTC). The sheriff processes applications, verifies applicant background, and can refer the file to the building official, fire district, health department, and planning department before issuing a permit. This chapter applies only outside the county's fourteen incorporated cities. Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, and the others license massage businesses under their own municipal codes.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required permit and CMTC certification is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both; the sheriff may also revoke a permit for any violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply inside Oakland or Berkeley?
No. Chapter 3.24 governs only unincorporated Alameda County; each incorporated city, including Oakland and Berkeley, licenses massage businesses under its own code.
What certification do practitioners need?
CMTC certification from the California Massage Therapy Council, in addition to the county permit issued by the sheriff.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Alameda County

Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsWater Use Rules: Recycled Water RulesLight RestrictionsHistoric Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSignificant Restrictions

All Alameda County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Massage Establishments in Alameda County, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Massage Establishments in Cities Across Alameda County

Oakland, CAFremont, CAHayward, CABerkeley, CASan Leandro, CALivermore, CACastro Valley, CA