Long Beach, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Business License
- Required under Chapter 3.80
- Massage Establishment Permit
- Required, 5.58.030(A)
- Health Permit
- Issued by Health Officer, 5.58.030(D)
- AUP threshold
- Required if massage over 50% of business
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Long Beach requires a Massage Establishment Permit, a Health Permit, and, when massage is the primary use, an Administrative Use Permit before any massage business can operate. Municipal Code Section 5.58.030 layers these on top of the standard Chapter 3.80 business license.
No person shall engage in, carry on, or conduct the business of a massage establishment without first having obtained a Business License as prescribed by the provisions of Chapter 3.80, and, where required by this Chapter, a Massage Establishment Permit, a Health Permit, and an Administrative Use Permit as prescribed in Title 21.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
' Subsection (D) routes the Health Permit through the City's Health Officer, who issues it only after confirming the establishment 'meets the specifications or conforms to the requirements of this Chapter and any applicable laws and regulations,' with fees set by City Council resolution. 32 before opening. 040 carves out exemptions for licensed physicians, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists, acupuncturists, barbers, cosmetologists, licensed health facilities, accredited school athletic trainers, and hotels with more than 100 rooms. 020(J).
Violations & Fines
Operating a massage establishment without the required permits is a misdemeanor under Section 5.58.180(E), punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both, and each day of violation counts as a separate offense. Falsely claiming to be licensed or certified draws a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per violation under Section 5.58.180(D), and an unpermitted establishment is also declared a public nuisance subject to abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Long Beach massage business need more than a business license?
Is a Long Beach hotel spa exempt from the massage establishment permit?
What happens if a Long Beach massage business operates without the required permits?
Does an independent massage therapist need a separate Health Permit in Long Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
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