Santa Monica, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Police permit
- Required for massage establishments and massage technicians
- Exemption
- State-licensed massage therapists may qualify under § 6.104.170
- Background check
- Criminal history within 5 years reviewed by Chief of Police
- After revocation
- 12-month bar on obtaining a new permit
- Renewal
- Annual, same criteria as initial application
Summary
Massage establishments and massage technicians in Santa Monica must obtain a police permit in addition to a standard business license. State-licensed massage therapists may qualify for an exemption from the police permit requirement under Section 6.104.170.
§ 6.14.050 The following business activities require a police permit: (a) Entertainment in bar, nightclub or restaurant. (b) Firearm sales. (c) Secondhand dealers... (d) Massage technician or massage establishment, except that no police permit is required if the technician qualifies for an exemption pursuant to Section 6.104.170 of this Code.
§ 6.14.020(b) The Chief of Police, within a reasonable time after submission of such application or renewal, shall conduct an investigation... The Chief shall approve and the City shall issue such permit as requested unless, as a result of said investigation, he or she finds by a preponderance of the evidence, any of the following: (1) The business will be in violation of any applicable laws or regulations if permitted in the location requested in the application; or (2) The applicant... has, within five years of the date of application, been convicted of any crime which is substantially related to the qualifications, functions or duties of the business or profession for which application is made.
§ 6.14.110(b) If the permit of any person has been revoked, another permit shall not be granted to such person within twelve months after the date of such revocation.
Full Breakdown
Police permit applicants undergo a background investigation by the Chief of Police. A permit is denied if the applicant has criminal convictions within the past 5 years substantially related to massage practice, has committed acts involving dishonesty, fraud, or violence related to the work, or made false statements in the application. Permits must be renewed annually. If a police permit is revoked, no new permit can be issued to that person for 12 months.
Violations & Fines
Operating a massage establishment without a required police permit is a violation of the business license code. Permits can be suspended or revoked for any violation of applicable law or conduct that makes the business detrimental to public health or welfare. Revocation bars re-application for 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police permit if I have a California massage therapy license?
Can I open a massage studio without a police permit?
What can get my police permit denied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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