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

Section 5.04.040 of the Paramount Municipal Code makes it unlawful to conduct listed businesses without a permit issued after a hearing before the City Council. Both acupressure establishments and massage parlors appear on that list. The code defines a massage parlor as every person conducting or managing a place where facial massages, fomentations, massage, electric or magnetic treatment or alcohol rubs are administered, and excepts treatment given in good faith by a person licensed under the Business and Professions Code or other State law. The City Clerk puts each application on the Council agenda, the Council holds a special hearing on at least five days' written notice, and under § 5.04.080 it can refuse a permit that would be contrary to public peace, health, safety, morals or welfare or attach conditions. The permit must be posted on the premises (§ 5.04.090) and is not transferable except with Council consent (§ 5.04.100).

Chapter 5.72 supplies the detailed operating rules, and its definition of acupressure expressly includes massage. Applicants must be at least 18, apply to the City Clerk and supply information to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, including photographs and five years of residence and employment history. The Los Angeles County Health Department inspects the premises, and if the City Clerk has no health report within 60 days of filing the application is void. Each acupressurist needs a separate permit, and the annual renewal fee is $100.00.

Inside the establishment, § 5.72.050 requires posted services and prices, a displayed permit, written treatment records kept two years, no treatment in any cubicle, room or booth fitted with a door, male patrons treated by male acupressurists and female patrons by female acupressurists, and no treatment to the genital area or, for female patrons, the breasts. The City Clerk revokes a permit after a conviction under Penal Code Section 647a or 647b or two violations in 12 months, and the former permittee waits one year for a new permit.