San Joaquin County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- Community Development Department
- Application fee
- $150 + $12 fingerprinting
- Permit term
- 3 years
- Background check
- Sheriff reviews 3–10 yr criminal history
Summary
Operating a massage or bodywork establishment in the unincorporated county requires a Community Development Department permit, and unlicensed operation is a misdemeanor.
No person shall operate a massage/bodywork establishment without first having obtained a massage/bodywork establishment permit from the Community Development Department. Only the massage/bodywork establishment permit holder, if licensed as a massage/bodywork technician, and the massage/bodywork establishment permit holder's employees who possess a valid massage/bodywork technician permit may offer massage/bodywork at the premises, place of business, or membership club cited in the massage/bodywork establishment permit. When necessary to accommodate the physical condition of a client, a massage/bodywork technician may perform massage/bodywork services in a suite, room or office other than that listed in the massage/bodywork establishment permit but located in the same building as that shown on the massage/bodywork establishment permit. Violation of any part of this section is a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 3876 § 1 (part), 1996)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Development Title: Supplement 3 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 7-1255 requires a massage/bodywork establishment permit before operating, and only the permit holder or employees with a valid technician permit may perform massage there. Applicants pay a $150 fee plus a $12 fingerprinting fee (Sec. 7-1256.1), and the Sheriff investigates criminal history reaching back 3 to 10 years depending on the offense (Sec. 7-1259). Permits last three years (Sec. 7-1261) and can be denied for zoning noncompliance or disqualifying convictions (Sec. 7-1263).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, or letting an unpermitted technician work, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 7-1255; permits can also be summarily suspended or revoked for cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a massage establishment permit in San Joaquin County?
How long is the permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Joaquin County
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