Los Angeles, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Board of Police Commissioners
- Per-location requirement
- Separate permit required for each business location
- State credential required
- CAMTC (California Massage Therapy Council) certification
- Background check
- Must disclose convictions under Penal Code §§ 266i, 314, 315, 316, 318, 647(a), 647(b), or crimes of dishonesty
- Out-call coverage
- Mobile massage businesses require the same permit as fixed establishments
- Public hearing
- Board may hold a public hearing if community objections are raised
Summary
Operating a Massage Establishment or Out-Call Massage Business in Los Angeles requires a Police Commission permit for each business location, in addition to any business tax registration certificate. Applicants must disclose prior convictions involving sex offenses or crimes of dishonesty.
(b) Massage Establishment or Out-Call Massage Business – Permit Required. No person shall engage in, promote, advertise, conduct, or carry on, in or upon any premises within the City of Los Angeles, the operation of a Massage Establishment or Out-Call Massage Business without a permit duly issued by the Board pursuant to this subsection for each business location. This required permit shall be in addition to any business tax registration certificate required by ordinance.
1. Application for Permit. Permit applications shall be made in accordance with Chapter X, Article 3, Division 3 of this Code.
2. Additional Requirements...each applicant for a Massage Establishment or Out-Call Massage Business permit shall furnish the following information to the Board: all convictions for any crime involving conduct which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or of conduct which is a violation of California Penal Code Sections 266i, 314, 315, 316, 318, 647(a), 647(b), or any crime involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or moral turpitude.
Full Breakdown
The ordinance defines 'Massage Establishment' as any fixed-location business where persons perform massage for consideration, and 'Out-Call Massage Business' as a business performing massage at locations other than a fixed establishment: both require a separate Board permit per location. Therapists and practitioners must be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC). A sole proprietor who owns 100% of the business and personally provides all massage services under a valid CAMTC certificate has limited exemptions. The Board may hold a public hearing if adverse information or community protest is received during review of an application.
Violations & Fines
No person may engage in, promote, advertise, conduct, or carry on a Massage Establishment or Out-Call Massage Business without a valid Board permit. Operating without a permit exposes the operator to permit denial, revocation, and general LAMC enforcement including potential criminal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mobile/out-call massage therapist need a city permit in LA?
Do all massage therapists in LA need to be CAMTC-certified?
Can the city hold a public hearing on my massage establishment permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
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Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle massage establishments.