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

Section 5.18.030 makes it "unlawful for any person, firm, partnership or corporation to engage in, conduct or carry on, or to permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises within the city, the operation of a massage establishment or ancillary massage establishment... without first having obtained a massage establishment permit." A separate permit is required for each location and for any change in ownership. Section 5.18.020 defines a "massage establishment" as any business where customers receive a massage as a primary or accessory function performed by therapists certified by the California Massage Therapy Council.

Physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, licensed barbers and cosmetologists performing ancillary neck, face, scalp, hand, or foot massage, hospitals, and school athletic staff are exempt under Section 5.18.040. Existing establishments operating before the 2016 ordinance had nine months to apply under Section 5.18.050. Section 5.18.060 requires a nonrefundable application and investigation fee, plus a separate fee for any required hearing, with no refunds even if the permit is later suspended or revoked. Under Section 5.18.090, an approved permit runs for one year, expiring with the business license, and renewal applications are due at least 30 days before expiration.

Section 5.18.100 lets the planning director deny a permit for code violations, fraud in the application, a prior nuisance injunction under Penal Code Sections 11225-11235, sex-offender registration, or conviction of enumerated Penal Code offenses including Sections 266, 315, 316, 318, 647(b), and 653.22. Section 5.18.070 requires a corporate or partnership applicant to designate a responsible managing employee who meets all permit requirements at all times.