Does Virginia Beach, VA have its own massage establishments ordinance?

No. Virginia Beach, VA does not appear to have a local massage establishments ordinance, Virginia state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Virginia Board of Nursing.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law: City Code Ch. 18.5, §§ 18.5-1: 18.5-6
Certification required: Code of Virginia § 54.1-3029
Posting requirement: Certificate displayed at establishment
Penalty: Class 3 misdemeanor
Advertising: "Massage" restricted to certified providers

Summary

Virginia Beach requires every massage provider to hold state certification under Code of Virginia § 54.1-3029 and post it at the massage establishment; giving a massage for pay without certification is a Class 3 misdemeanor under City Code § 18.5-2.

Except as provided in section 18.5-5 of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to give a massage in exchange for consideration within the city unless the person giving the massage is a certified massage therapist.

Source: Virginia Board of NursingView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code Chapter 18.5 governs massage establishments citywide. Sec. 18.5-2 makes it unlawful to give a massage for consideration unless the provider is a certified massage therapist under Code of Virginia § 54.1-3029. Sec. 18.5-3 requires the certificate be posted at the massage establishment, or presented to the client for off-premises work. Sec. 18.5-4 bars anyone who isn't certified (or exempt) from using the word "massage" in advertising, signage, or directory listings. Sec. 18.5-5 exempts licensed physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, barbers/beauticians doing scalp or face work only, athletic trainers, and supervised nursing-home staff or massage-program students. Violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor under Sec. 18.5-6.

Violations & Fines

Providing massage without state certification, failing to post the certificate, or advertising as "massage" while uncertified is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 18.5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Virginia Beach issue a separate massage establishment license?

No. The city doesn't license the business itself. Chapter 18.5 requires the massage therapist working there to hold state certification under Code of Virginia § 54.1-3029 and post it on site.

Who is exempt from the certification requirement?

Licensed physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, nurses, barbers/beauticians doing scalp or face work only, athletic trainers, and supervised nursing-home staff or massage-program students under § 18.5-5.

Sources & Official References

[1]Virginia Beach City Code § 18.5-2

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant Restrictions Towing CompaniesSome Restrictions Secondhand DealersSignificant Restrictions Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy Restrictions Tobacco Retail LicenseSome Restrictions Tattoo & Body ModificationSignificant Restrictions Adult EntertainmentSignificant Restrictions PawnbrokersSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia business licensing & operations overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.