Riverside, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing authority
- Riverside Chief of Police
- Permit term
- One year, renewable
- Review deadline
- 90 days, +30 for good cause
- Owner age minimum
- 18 years old
- Criminal history lookback
- 10 years for convictions
- Penalty class
- Infraction or misdemeanor
Summary
No one may own, operate, or manage a massage establishment in Riverside without a permit from the Chief of Police. Applicants submit a sworn application, fingerprints, and a non-refundable fee, and the Police Department investigates before granting or denying the permit.
A.No person shall own, operate, or manage any massage establishment in any location within the City without first having obtained a massage establishment permit.B.Any person desiring a massage establishment permit shall file, under penalty of perjury, a written application on forms provided by and submitted to the Chief of Police accompanied by a non-refundable application fee in such amounts established by resolution of the City Council.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
" The application goes to the Chief of Police under penalty of perjury, with a non-refundable fee set by City Council resolution, and must be signed by the sole proprietor, a general partner, or two corporate officers. 4, and any pending criminal charges. Owners must also disclose every other massage establishment they have owned or operated in any state, county, or city, and must notify the Chief of Police in writing of any subsequent revocation, suspension, or new ownership interest. 050, the Chief of Police can refuse or deny transfer of a permit if the application is false or incomplete, the establishment fails to meet building, fire, health, or zoning standards, or the applicant has a disqualifying conviction (sex offenses under Penal Code Sections 266h, 266i, 314-318, 647(a)/(b)/(d), or controlled-substance offenses under Health and Safety Code Section 11550), unless the Chief finds the offense too remote and the applicant rehabilitated.
Permits expire one year from issuance and are renewable annually with another sworn application and fee. The Chief of Police must complete the background investigation and grant or deny the permit within 90 days, extendable 30 days for good cause with notice to the applicant. 140.
Violations & Fines
Operating a massage establishment in Riverside without this permit, or with a permit obtained through false or incomplete information, violates RMC Section 5.52.040 and can be charged under Section 5.52.150 as an infraction or misdemeanor. Revocation or suspension of a permit is not a defense against prosecution. The City may also pursue administrative code enforcement remedies under Chapter 1.17, and a prevailing party in an enforcement or nuisance-abatement proceeding can recover attorney's fees and costs under Chapters 1.01, 1.17, and 6.15 plus Government Code Section 38773.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a City permit to open a massage business in Riverside?
What can get my Riverside massage permit application denied?
How long does the City have to decide on a massage permit?
How often must a Riverside massage establishment permit be renewed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
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Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle massage establishments.