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

Chapter 10.79, the National City massage establishment ordinance, works together with Chapter 10.70, which governs issuance and administration of permits (§ 10.79.010). Its purpose under § 10.79.020 is orderly regulation of massage establishment businesses to protect public health, safety and welfare through minimum standards and to prevent the facilitation of prostitution.

Section 10.79.040 sets the permit rules. It is unlawful to operate a massage establishment without first obtaining the permit from the Department of Public Safety, except as exempted. The permit is valid for one year, coinciding with the city business license effective and expiration dates. Renewal must be made within thirty days prior to expiration, and if a timely and complete renewal application is not received and the permit expires, no right or privilege to continue the business exists. The owner or operator must submit a revised practitioner list to the police department within five business days of any change.

Practitioners need their own credentials. Under §§ 10.79.040(C) and 10.79.050, no one can perform massage for compensation without a valid massage practitioner certification issued by the California Massage Therapy Council, and the person must also be identified as an authorized massage practitioner on the establishment's permit. A certification does not authorize operating an establishment; a technician who wants to operate one applies separately for a city permit and a business license. Section 10.79.110 exempts licensed physicians, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists and similar health care professionals, among others.

Before a permit is granted, the chief of police or designee, the county health officer and the fire and building officials must inspect and find compliance with § 10.79.060: a legible sign at the main entrance, at least forty watts of lighting, ventilation, hot and cold running water at all times, closed cabinets for clean linen, a dressing room with a lockable locker for each person served, and at least one toilet and one wash basin.

Section 10.79.070 requires that operations and opening of the premises stay between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., that a list of services and prices be posted, that the permit, business tax license and a copy of each technician's CAMTC certification be displayed, that an owner or operator be on the premises during operating hours, and that a written record of each service be kept on the premises for two years. Section 10.79.080 prohibits alcohol or marijuana sales, service or consumption, anyone residing at the establishment, recording of patrons without written consent, and any sexual activity.