Madera County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Issued by
- Madera County Sheriff's Office
- Permit term
- Two years
- Requires
- CAMTC certification for therapists
- Background check
- Fingerprints and photograph required
- Also needs
- Zoning-compliant premises, business license
Summary
Operating a massage business in unincorporated Madera County without a sheriff-issued establishment permit is unlawful, and anyone performing massage for pay must be a CAMTC-certified therapist unless specifically exempted.
It is unlawful for any owner, operator, officer, director, or managing employee of a massage establishment to operate or permit the operation of such business without a valid massage establishment permit as required by this chapter.B.Out Call Massage Business Permit. It is unlawful for any person to provide out call massage services without a valid out call massage business permit.C.Certification. It is unlawful for any person other than a certified massage therapist to provide massage services within the county unless exempted as provided in this chapter. (Ord. No. 686, § 1, 9-5-17).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code §9.12.030 requires a valid establishment permit, issued by the sheriff, before anyone can operate a massage establishment in the unincorporated county, plus a separate permit for out-call massage performed off-site. Practitioners must also be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council unless exempt: licensed cosmetologists, medical professionals, and acupuncturists working within their own scope don't need a separate permit. Applicants undergo fingerprinting, a background check, and sheriff review before a two-year permit issues, and premises must also meet zoning requirements under §9.12.040. Exemptions exist for medical offices and occasional community events.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, or practicing massage without CAMTC certification, is enforced by the sheriff's office; a permit can be revoked for cause, including fraud, nuisance conditions, or code violations, following notice and an appeal right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a massage establishment permit in Madera County?
Does a licensed physical therapist need a massage permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.