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

Chapter 5.34, the Palm Springs Massage Ordinance, requires a massage establishment permit from the City Manager for each separate office or place of business under Section 5.34.040(a), on top of which every individual who practices massage for compensation, and every massagist an establishment employs, must hold a valid, current certificate from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) under Section 5.34.040(b). A standard business license under Municipal Code Chapters 3.40 through 3.96 is required in addition to both. Applying for the establishment permit is a background-check process: the applicant files under oath with the City Manager, pays a nonrefundable annual fee, and the application goes to the chief of police for an investigation of character and qualifications, plus referrals within five days to building and safety, fire, health and planning for a facilities inspection within 30 days, all under Section 5.34.060.

Applicants must submit fingerprints, a 2-by-2 photograph, criminal history, three years of employment history, and CAMTC certificates for every massagist on staff. Facilities must meet minimum sanitation standards under Section 5.34.130: waterproofed wet-room construction, disinfecting equipment for reusable instruments, closed cabinets separating clean from soiled linen, and sex-separated toilet facilities where one water closet serves every 15 or more employees or patrons of that sex. Operating hours are fixed by Section 5.34.160: no massage business may be open before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.

Alcohol is flatly prohibited on the premises under Section 5.34.150, and Section 5.34.180 makes it unlawful for any massagist to expose genitals, engage in sexual activity, or work in transparent or see-through attire while providing services.