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

Section 8-4 of the Novato Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 1606, October 11, 2016) regulates massage establishments and massage technicians under Government Code sections 51030 through 51034 and the state massage certificate issued by the California Massage Therapy Council. Section 8-4.3 stacks four requirements: a permit to operate a massage establishment, a use permit with operation only in zones where chapter 19 of the Code permits the use, a business license under section 8-1, and a valid state massage certificate for anyone administering massage for any consideration.

Application goes to the chief of police on a form, with a nonrefundable filing fee set by city council resolution to cover the background investigation, premises inspection and fingerprinting. Section 8-4.5 requires the business name and location, the ownership details, a photograph of the applicant at least two inches by two inches taken within one year, the applicant's massage field history, each technician's certificate, and a lease or notarized property owner acknowledgment. A permit is not issued to an applicant convicted of listed offenses, including offenses requiring registration under Penal Code Section 290. The chief decides within 30 days of a completed application. Other grounds for denial under section 8-4.6 include an applicant under 18, false information, a suspension not yet ended or a revocation within the preceding five years, and a proposed establishment that would not comply with the Code.

The permit is valid for one year. Renewal applications are filed at least 60 days before expiration, temporary permits are not issued, and a lapsed permit requires a new application and the original fee. Changes in application information must be reported within 15 days. A denial can be appealed to the city manager within ten days of the notice.

Operating standards in section 8-4.11 include massage only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., no locked massage rooms, no alcoholic beverages on the premises, and written service records kept two years. Section 8-4.8 requires posting the business license, permit, technician certificates, use permit and a schedule of services with prices and minimum treatment times.