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

Chapter 5.18 makes it unlawful for anyone to perform massage in Murrieta, whether as an employee, sole practitioner or independent contractor, without a current, valid California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) certificate, and unlawful for a massage business to operate unless everyone performing massage for it holds one (§ 5.18.040(A)). Every massage business must also hold a city business license under Chapter 5.04, and any permit issued under Chapter 5.18 is issued by the Chief of Police (or designee) and is valid for one year from issuance (§ 5.18.040(B), (D)).

Permit applications filed with the city must disclose the business's legal name and structure, the address and lease for the premises, the identity of every owner, operator, manager and therapist along with their CAMTC certificates, prior driver's license or ID, and a signed authorization for the Police Department to run a background check on anyone lacking a CAMTC certificate (§ 5.18.050(A)). Applicants must also carry liability insurance of at least $2,000,000 for personal injury or death arising from the business's operation (§ 5.18.050(A)(13)). The city must deny a permit if a background check shows the owner, operator or manager is a registered sex offender under Penal Code § 290, or has been convicted of pimping, pandering, indecent exposure, keeping a house of prostitution, disorderly conduct for prostitution, soliciting or loitering for prostitution, a felony drug offense, or any crime involving theft, dishonesty, fraud or moral turpitude, or has had a business permit or license denied, revoked or suspended by any agency within the last ten years (§ 5.18.050(C)(4)). Annual renewal applications are due at least 30 days before the existing permit expires (§ 5.18.050(B)).