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Jefferson Parish, LA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
JPCO Sec. 18.5-2
License fee
$50.00 annually
State approval required
Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy
Hours restriction
No massages 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Annual check
Good standing verified by May 1

Summary

Every massage business, establishment or parlor in Jefferson Parish must hold a $50.00 massage establishment license from the department of code compliance and enforcement before doing any business. Sec. 18.5-2 requires the state board of massage therapy's approval first, annual good-standing checks by May 1, and license posting in the lobby where patrons can see it.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Jefferson Parish. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a)It shall be unlawful for massage businesses, establishments, or parlors to transact any phase, or take any steps or actions of business in the parish without first obtaining a message establishment license from the department of code compliance and enforcement. Every person, whether natural or juridical, who desires to lease or buy private property to conduct any of the businesses or callings hereinafter set forth, shall first apply for and be granted a massage establishment license on the forms provided by the parish after providing the approved state issued license from the board and landlord information if applicable.(b)Massage establishment license fees shall be fifty dollars ($50.00).

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 20 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Sec. " The license fee is fifty dollars under Sec. 5-2(b), but Sec. 5-2(c) blocks issuance "until all requisite approvals and permits by the state board of massage therapy[] are finalized and received," and Sec. 5-2(e) requires code compliance and enforcement to verify the establishment's good standing with the state board every year on or before May 1st. The license "shall be conspicuously displayed and affixed to the wall of the lobby" under Sec. 5-2(f), it is nontransferable under Sec. 5-2(k), and Sec. 5-2(i) gives the establishment thirty days to notify the department after a material change such as a new address or a change to the state permit.

Sec. 5-3 adds practitioner-level rules layered on top of the establishment license: only licensed massage therapists may be employed or contracted, each must display an LMT-ID card, and Sec. m. Sec. 5-5 lets the sheriff's department, code enforcement officers and the building official inspect the premises at any time during posted business hours to check compliance with this chapter and with building, fire, electrical, plumbing and health regulations.

Violations & Fines

Sec. 18.5-6 lets the parish suspend, revoke or refuse to issue or renew a massage establishment license after notice and a hearing for fraud on the application, unprofessional conduct endangering public safety, a therapist's felony or sexual-misconduct conviction, or failing to meet parish or state renewal requirements. A prostitution or sexual-offense conviction occurring on the premises is grounds too, though up to three reported client-safety incidents in twelve months will not cost the license if the perpetrator is fired.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Jefferson Parish massage establishment license cost?
Fifty dollars, under Sec. 18.5-2(b). The department of code compliance and enforcement will not issue the license until the state Board of Massage Therapy has already approved the business, and it checks the establishment's good standing with the state board every year by May 1st.
Can a massage establishment in Jefferson Parish operate late at night?
No. Sec. 18.5-4(g) bars any massage establishment from providing massages "after 10:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m." That curfew applies on top of the licensing and inspection requirements in the rest of chapter 18.5.
What can get a massage establishment's license suspended or revoked?
Sec. 18.5-6 lists fraud on the application, unprofessional conduct endangering public safety, a licensed therapist's conviction for a violent felony or a sex-related or prostitution crime, and failing to keep current with parish or state board renewal requirements, all after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Jefferson Parish

All Jefferson Parish rules

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