Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Operator permit issuer
Lodi Police Department, Sec. 5.32.015
Investigation window
60 days, extendable 30 more days
Permit term
Two years, renewable
Technician requirement
Valid CAMTC certification, Sec. 5.32.030
Hours closed
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Suspension period
30 days per violation
Enforcement
Misdemeanor under Chapter 1.08

Summary

No one may operate a massage establishment in Lodi without an operator's permit from the police department, and no massage technician may work or advertise without valid CAMTC certification and a Lodi business license. Off-premises massages need a separate permit, and the chief of police can suspend or revoke any permit for chapter violations.

No person shall operate a massage establishment within the City without first obtaining an operator's permit pursuant to Sections 5.32.020 and 5.32.025 of this chapter, securing the necessary business license as required by this code, and complying with Title 17 of this code. ... No person shall perform or administer a massage, or advertise to provide massage services in the city of Lodi, unless such person has in effect a valid certification to perform massage issued by the CAMTC, unless otherwise exempt as provided in this chapter, and the necessary business license as required by this code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).

Full Breakdown

025, obtaining the city's standard business license, and complying with Title 17 zoning. The police department investigates each operator application, which must disclose ownership, an eight-year address and employment history, prior permit denials, criminal convictions within ten years, fingerprints, and CAMTC certification; the chief of police has 60 days, extendable 30 more, to grant or deny. 2 before performing or advertising massage in the city, in addition to a business license. 035 requires a further off-premises massage permit, reviewed within 15 business days, for any massage performed away from a licensed establishment; a chair-massage-only permit is valid one year.

m. The city's community development, fire and police departments, the San Joaquin County Health Department, and CAMTC may inspect at any time the business is open. 050.

Violations & Fines

Operating a massage establishment or working as a technician without the required permits is a misdemeanor enforced under Chapter 1.08, per Section 5.32.085, unless a provision is marked regulatory only. The chief of police may suspend a permit 30 days for each violation of Sections 5.32.025 or 5.32.040, or revoke it for repeat violations within 12 months. Unlawful operation is declared a public nuisance under Section 5.32.090, letting the city attorney seek abatement or injunctive relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a massage therapist need a Lodi-specific license?
Lodi does not issue its own technician certification; instead Section 5.32.030 requires every massage technician to hold current certification from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) under Business and Professions Code Section 4604.2, plus the city's standard business license, before performing or advertising massage anywhere in Lodi, including off-premises work.
How long does it take to get an operator's permit?
The Lodi Police Department has 60 days from a complete application to investigate and decide, extendable up to 30 more days under Section 5.32.025. The application must include ownership details, an eight-year address and work history, fingerprints, and CAMTC certification for anyone performing massage, and the chief of police must find no disqualifying criminal history before granting the permit.
What hours can a Lodi massage establishment stay open?
Section 5.32.040(B)(9) closes every massage establishment between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and any massage already underway before 10:00 p.m. must end by that hour. The posted hours must appear in the lobby and front window, and all patrons must be excluded from the premises outside those hours.
Can someone give massages at a client's home in Lodi?
Only with a separate off-premises massage permit under Section 5.32.035, which the police department reviews within 15 business days and grants only when performing the massage away from a licensed establishment is reasonably necessary. A chair-massage-only permit, covering fully clothed head, neck, back and arm massage in a public area, is valid for one year.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lodi

All Lodi rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Lodi to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Massage Establishments in Lodi, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Joaquin County handle massage establishments.

Stockton, CA
Significant Restrictions
Manteca, CA
Significant Restrictions
Tracy, CA
Significant Restrictions