Nash County, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Sec. 8-29 makes it unlawful to engage in the business of massage without a valid business license issued by the county for each location, and unlawful to practice massage as a massagist or employee without a valid massagist's permit. Sec. 00 per year, nonrefundable, filed under oath with the sheriff, and the application triggers inspections by the county building inspector's office and the county fire marshal within 30 days to verify code compliance. Applicants for either credential must submit fingerprints, a 2-inch by 2-inch photograph, a full criminal history, and written character references from at least three residents (Sec.

8-31, 8-32); massagists must also show a diploma from a recognized school with at least 60 hours of instruction and a physician's certificate confirming they are free of communicable disease (Sec. 8-32(9), (11)). The sheriff must approve or deny an application within 60 days of acceptance and must issue written findings to support any denial (Sec. 8-33); a denial can be appealed to the board of commissioners within seven days. Every license or permit expires after one year unless sooner suspended or revoked, and the sheriff may inspect establishments for compliance, seeking a search warrant if entry is refused (Sec.

8-48). Sec. 8-30 exempts licensed physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, podiatrists, nurses, certain athletic trainers, and barbers or beauticians limited to massaging the neck, face, scalp and hair.