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

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Annual permit fee: $409
Site evaluation fee: $164
Permit display: Must be posted conspicuously in plain sight of patrons

Summary

Any massage establishment operating in unincorporated LA County must obtain a public health permit from the County Health Officer and pay an annual fee of $409 before providing compensated massage services.

City-specific rules exist: Los Angeles, Downey, West Covina, El Monte, Inglewood, Norwalk, Compton, Carson, South Gate, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Pomona, Glendale, Lakewood, Santa Monica, Lancaster, and Long Beach have their own massage establishments rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

[§ 8.04.1420] Any owner of a Massage Establishment shall obtain a public health permit, comply with this Part, Los Angeles County Code, Title 11, Chapter 11.36, State laws, and pay an annual permit fee in the amount set forth in Title 8, Section 8.04.720.B.It shall be unlawful for any business to provide massage services for compensation within the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County without obtaining a public health permit as provided in this Chapter.
[§ 8.04.1470] A Massage Establishment public health permit will be issued unless:A.The applicant has not complied with the site evaluation...B.The application is incomplete.C.The applicant has falsified information on the application.D.The applicant or any owner of the Massage Establishment was required to register under the provisions of Penal Code section 290 or within ten (10) years immediately preceding the date of the application committed a violation of an offense or crime as listed in Section 11.36.330.

Source: LACO Title 7.34 Massage EstablishmentsView official code

Full Breakdown

Part 8 of Chapter 8.04 (Ord. 2020-0008) establishes a public health permit system for massage establishments. Section 8.04.1420(A) requires every massage establishment owner to obtain a public health permit, comply with Title 11, Chapter 11.36, all applicable state laws, and pay the annual permit fee set in § 8.04.720 (currently $409). Section 8.04.1420(B) makes it unlawful to provide massage services for compensation within unincorporated LA County without this permit. Permit denial is required if the applicant or any owner is required to register under Penal Code § 290 or has committed certain enumerated offenses within the past 10 years. All payments must be made at the reception area (§ 8.04.1450), and the permit must be displayed conspicuously in plain sight of patrons (§ 8.04.1440).

Violations & Fines

Operating without a public health permit is a misdemeanor under § 8.04.934 punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. A lapsed business license results in automatic permit suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a massage therapist who is the sole owner and only employee also need a permit?

Yes, unless they qualify as a Sole Proprietor under § 8.04.1410(M), but Sole Proprietors still need the public health permit and may not operate from their personal residence.

Can a licensed physician or chiropractor skip the massage establishment permit?

Yes. Licensed physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, and registered nurses are exempt under § 8.04.1480.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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