Clark County, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License needed
- State board license + county business license
- Operating hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Background check
- LVMPD suitability investigation
- License fee
- Semiannual gross license fee
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, per-day offense
Summary
Massage establishments, massage businesses, and independent massage therapists in unincorporated Clark County must hold both a Nevada State Board of Massage Therapist License and a Clark County business license, plus pass an LVMPD suitability background check before operating.
No person shall engage in, conduct or carry on, or permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises, the operation of a massage establishment, massage business, or provide services as an independent massage therapist without first obtaining and thereafter maintaining a valid Nevada State Board of Massage Therapist License pursuant to NRS 640C and a Clark County Business License pursuant to Title 6 of this code.
(b)Any independent massage therapist who is licensed in any jurisdiction outside of unincorporated Clark County and who desires to perform massage in unincorporated Clark County, must also obtain a business license for massage from the department in accordance with Title 6 and must also possess a valid Nevada State Board of Massage Therapist License pursuant to NRS 640C.(c)Any owner of a massage establishment or massage business who wishes to personally engage in the administering of massage shall obtain a license from the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapy in addition to the massage establishment or massage business license pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. No. 3747, § 1, 3-3-2009)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147).
Full Breakdown
Clark County Code Chapter 7.08 requires anyone operating a massage establishment or massage business, or working as an independent massage therapist, to get a Clark County Department of Business License license under Title 6 in addition to the state board license, after LVMPD investigates the applicant's suitability. Operating hours run 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. unless the site qualifies for an exemption, a manager must be on premises at all times, and staff must wear opaque outer garments covering specified anatomical areas. Fees are paid semiannually under Chapter 6.12.
Violations & Fines
Operating without both licenses, or violating chapter rules such as letting ancillary employees touch patrons, is a misdemeanor punishable by fine or jail; each day of continued violation is a separate offense under Section 7.08.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ordinance cover the Las Vegas Strip?
Can an independent massage therapist skip the county license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
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