LACO Title 7.34 requires a county operator permit for any massage business in unincorporated LA County, on top of the state CAMTC certification each therapist must hold under Bus. & Prof. Code §4600. Sheriff inspectors review premises, lighting, and unobstructed-window standards.
Title 7.34 of the LA County Code, adopted by Ordinance 2013-0036, requires every massage establishment in unincorporated areas to obtain a county operator permit issued by the Treasurer-Tax Collector after LASD background investigation. Owners, managers, and on-duty staff must hold California Massage Therapy Council certification under Business and Professions Code sections 4600 to 4621, which preempts therapist-level licensing. The county still controls premises, signage, lighting, and outcall services. Title 22 zoning bars new shops within 500 feet of schools or parks in some zones. Health permits for spa aesthetic services rest with LA County DPH. Contract cities like Lakewood usually adopt the county scheme by reference.
Operating without a county permit is a misdemeanor under LACO Title 1.25, with fines up to $1,000 and six months jail. Prostitution-related convictions or recurring violations trigger automatic permit revocation and zoning abatement.
See how Santa Monica's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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