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

Chapter 4.40 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code splits massage regulation in two. Anyone who administers massage for compensation needs a current CAMTC massage therapist or practitioner certificate (4.40.020). Anyone who owns or operates a massage establishment or outcall massage service in the City of Fountain Valley also needs a city massage establishment permit (4.40.030). Section 4.40.040 exempts establishments staffed by state-licensed professionals such as doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists and acupuncturists, and beauty shops where licensed cosmetologists and estheticians do most of the business and no more than one bed is used.

The applicant completes the city form, undergoes a police department background check and pays a nonrefundable fee, and reports any change in information in writing within ten business days (4.40.050). The chief of police or designee approves or denies in writing within sixty days of a complete application (4.40.060). Denial is required for felony convictions, sexual misdemeanors, crimes of moral turpitude, a public nuisance injunction for sexual conduct within five years, false statements, or a CAMTC denial, suspension or revocation. The chief's decision can be appealed to the city manager, whose decision is final.

A permit expires twelve months after issuance, and the renewal application is due at least thirty days before expiration (4.40.080). It cannot be transferred (4.40.070). Operating rules in 4.40.100 include a manager on site whenever the establishment is open, a posted permit and service price list, no alcohol service, no one living on the premises, records kept twenty-four months, and liability insurance of at least $50,000 for injury or death of one person on file with the city clerk. Fees are set by City Council resolution (4.40.120).