Santa Clara, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting authority
- Santa Clara Chief of Police
- Permit term
- 12 months from issuance
- Renewal deadline
- 30 days before expiration
- Max criminal fine
- $1,000 per day, per violation
- Max jail term
- 6 months county jail
- Therapist requirement
- Valid CAMTC certificate on person
Summary
Santa Clara requires a Police Chief-issued massage establishment permit before anyone opens or operates a massage business, on top of a business license and each therapist's state CAMTC certificate. Operating without a valid permit lets the City order the business to shut down immediately.
It is unlawful for any owner, as defined herein, to own, manage, or operate in or upon any premises within the city a massage establishment without first having obtained a massage establishment permit issued by the Chief of Police pursuant to the provisions hereinafter set forth. A permit shall be valid for twelve (12) months from the date of issuance, unless revoked or suspended. A separate massage establishment permit is required for each location if an owner owns, manages, or operates multiple massage establishments. The City may immediately order a business that fails to have a valid massage establishment permit to cease operation.
Full Breakdown
40 of the Santa Clara City Code (SCCC), adopted by Ordinance 2006 in 2019, governs massage establishments citywide. 040 makes it unlawful for any owner to "own, manage, or operate" a massage establishment without first obtaining a permit issued by the Chief of Police; a permit is valid for twelve months from issuance and a separate permit is required at each location an owner operates. 40 SCCC. 070 submit a nonrefundable fee set by City Council resolution, plus a sworn application disclosing seven years of business and employment history, prior permit denials or revocations anywhere, and any Red Light Abatement Law injunction or Penal Code Section 290, 314, 315, 316, 318 or 647 conviction.
090 at least 30 days before the one-year anniversary of issuance; the Chief of Police will not approve a renewal unless the establishment has no outstanding violations or unpaid citations and fees, and an inspection may be required first. 120 allows City officials to inspect the establishment. 060 cover state-licensed physicians, chiropractors, nurses and physical therapists, and barbers/cosmetologists (limited to neck, face, scalp, foot, ankle or calf massage), school and team athletic trainers, and licensed acupuncturists.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 5.40 is treated under SCCC § 5.40.160(a) as a strict-liability misdemeanor regardless of intent, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of violation chargeable as a separate offense. The City Attorney may also pursue civil abatement as a public nuisance. The Chief of Police may suspend or revoke a permit for lacking required qualifications, a Chapter 5.40 conviction, material misrepresentation on an application, or operating in violation of the chapter or permit conditions; revocation/suspension procedures follow Chapter 2.115 SCCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a City permit to open a massage establishment in Santa Clara?
Is a CAMTC certificate enough to give massages in Santa Clara?
What happens if I operate with an expired massage permit in Santa Clara?
Can barbers or nail salons give massages without this permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
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Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle massage establishments.