Hampton, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Hampton City Code Ch. 19
- Application fee
- $50 investigation fee
- Issuing authority
- Director of public health
- Closing hours
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Default violation class
- Class 1 misdemeanor
Summary
Hampton requires anyone operating a massage parlor to hold a permit from the director of public health under Chapter 19: applicants undergo police, fire and health investigation, pay a $50 fee, and can be closed for operating without one.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises within the city, the business of a massage parlor, or to render or permit to be rendered massage services at a location removed from a massage establishment within the city, without a valid permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 19 makes it unlawful to operate a massage parlor, or provide massage services away from a licensed establishment, without a permit issued under Article II. Applicants file with the director of public health, listing prior addresses, employment history, criminal convictions and every massage technician to be employed, along with a $50 fee that funds police and health department investigation. The director refers each application to the building official, fire chief and police chief, and must issue or deny it within 14 days. Parlors must close between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and a permit can be suspended up to 60 days or revoked after a hearing. Licensed physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and state board-certified massage therapists are exempt from the chapter.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, letting an unlisted technician work, or violating the conduct rules is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 19-2, and the director can suspend or revoke the permit after a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hampton require a permit to open a massage parlor?
What hours can a Hampton massage parlor stay open?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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