Santa Rosa, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

) at the local level. 030 makes two things unlawful outright: any Individual practicing Massage Therapy for compensation in the city, whether as a sole proprietor, Employee, or Independent Therapist, without a current Certified Massage Therapist credential from the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), and any Business operating as a Massage Establishment without a valid City Massage Establishment certificate. 050 operational standards, and a roster of every Therapist or Employee working 10 or more cumulative days in any 30-day period. Owners and non-certified employees must also complete Live Scan fingerprinting and submit a five-year business and employment history, including any prior massage, spa, or bathhouse operations anywhere in Sonoma County.

Once issued, a certificate runs through December 31 of the second calendar year after issuance, so renewal timing depends on the issuance date, and renewal applications must be filed no sooner than 60 days before expiration and never after it lapses. Fees for the application, renewal, supplemental inspections, and background checks are all set by City Council resolution. 090 before they may operate at all.