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

Chapter 4.17 makes it unlawful for any individual to provide massage for compensation, whether as sole proprietor or employee, unless that person is a certified massage practitioner, and unlawful for a massage establishment to allow massage for compensation unless every person performing massage is a certified massage practitioner, the business has a valid business license under Chapter 4.02, and it holds a City massage registration permit as a regulatory permit under Section 4.17.030. Off-premises massage is unlawful except where the provider's own business license expressly authorizes off-premises work, where an exemption under Section 4.17.160 applies, or where a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor or osteopath has prescribed massage in writing, in which case no additional service beyond what the prescription describes may be performed.

A separate license and permit is required for each separate massage establishment, and the applicant must pay the fee set by City Council resolution. Off-premises massage under Section 4.17.040 may only be carried on between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight, and the applicant must file a current list of every massage therapist performing services along with their certifications, updating it whenever staff changes. Minimum facility standards under Section 4.17.060 require a posted sign identifying the premises as a massage establishment, at least five foot-candles of light in each treatment room, adequate dressing, locker and toilet facilities, waterproof floor coverings in steam and bath rooms, and linen storage cabinets.

The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health is the designated Health Department for sanitation, and the Sheriff's Department investigates permit applicants, including whether an applicant must register under Penal Code Section 290.