Wayne County, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Sec. 18-19 requires anyone carrying on the business, trade or profession of masseur or masseuse, or operating a massage parlor, health salon, physical culture studio or similar establishment in unincorporated Wayne County, to hold a county license; the article exempts licensed hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes and medical clinics, and a physician's, chiropractor's or osteopath's own practice office. Sec. 18-21 requires a written application to the county tax collector before engaging in the business, listing the applicant's name and address and, for a corporation, its officers, along with proof of qualifications.

Sec. 18-22 sets those qualifications: written recommendations of good moral character for the applicant, and for a corporation its officers, plus a health certificate from a licensed doctor for every masseur or masseuse who will work under the license, filed with both the tax collector and the sheriff. Sec. 00 for each masseur or masseuse beyond three employed or trained there, with the license valid through December 31 of the issue year and renewable annually at the same fee. Sec. 18-25 requires the licensee to file every employee's name, home address and phone number with the sheriff, updating any change within three business days.

Sec. 18-26 bars employing anyone convicted within three years of prostitution, lewdness, indecent exposure or another crime of moral turpitude, checked by the sheriff against conviction records. Sec. , and Sec. 18-27 puts periodic inspection and license revocation authority in the sheriff's and board of commissioners' hands.