Hawthorne, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- HMC Chapter 5.58, Massage Establishments
- Required credentials
- Business license + operator's certificate + CAMTC cert
- Certificate issuer
- Hawthorne chief of police
- Certificate term
- Three years, non-transferable
- Misdemeanor fine
- Up to $1,000 and/or 6 months jail
- Post-closure bar
- 2-year ban on new certificate at that location
Summary
Hawthorne massage establishments need both a business license and a police-issued operator's certificate, and every practitioner must hold current CAMTC certification. The code sets facility, staffing and recordkeeping rules, backed by inspections and a $1,000 misdemeanor penalty.
It is unlawful for any massage establishment to provide massage therapy services unless the massage establishment complies with all of requirements of this chapter and obtains the following: (a) a business license pursuant to Chapter 5.06; and (b) an operator's certificate, pursuant to this chapter... Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Full Breakdown
040). 030). 080). The chief of police issues the certificate unless the applicant supplied false information, engaged in disqualifying conduct, is under eighteen, or is delinquent on city fees; certificates run three years and are non-transferable. 050). 100). 080(J)).
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Chapter 5.58 is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both (Section 5.58.140). An unlawfully operated establishment is also declared a public nuisance, letting the city attorney pursue abatement, removal or injunction in addition to or instead of criminal prosecution (Section 5.58.150). Representatives of the police, fire, planning and finance departments and county health officials may enter and inspect an establishment at any time it is open, without a warrant, and refusing or delaying that inspection is itself a violation (Section 5.58.110).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a massage operator's certificate in Hawthorne?
Does a Hawthorne massage therapist also need a state credential?
Can recording devices be used in a Hawthorne massage room?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
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