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

Under Sec. 040(A), it is unlawful and a misdemeanor to own or operate a massage establishment in Lancaster without first obtaining an operator's permit, and a separate permit is required for each location. To apply, Sec. 070 requires filing a written application with the director, who refers it to the Sheriff's Department for investigation; the applicant must supply everything the sheriff requests and pay the filing fee set by city council resolution. Applications must disclose ten years of addresses, employment and massage-permit history, all criminal convictions within ten years, two 2x2 photographs, and either a Livescan fingerprint receipt or authorization for the city to use a sheriff's background check completed within 45 days.

Sec. 090 gives the director 60 days (extendable 30 more) to approve, conditionally approve or deny, and denial follows findings such as disqualifying conduct within eight years, false statements, or a proposed location that fails zoning, health, fire or safety requirements. under Sec. 040(B)(13). Permits run year-to-year, are non-transferable (Sec. 140), and any ownership or management change must be reported to the director. The director may suspend a permit for 30 days per violation or revoke it under Sec. 44's uniform appeals procedure; a filed appeal stays revocation but not suspension.