Business Licensing & Operations in Chula Vista, CA (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Chula Vista, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Chula Vista requires a sexually oriented business regulatory license under CVMC Chapter 9.13 before operating, and zoning confines these businesses to the C-T zone or specified specific-plan areas, at least 500 feet from residential zoning, schools, parks or religious institutions, and 1,000 feet from another sexually oriented business.
Chula Vista Sexually Oriented Business Rules
Significant RestrictionsCVMC §§ 9.13.030, 19.58.024
It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, operate, engage in, conduct, or carry on any sexually oriented business within Chula Vista unless the person first obtains, and continues to maintain in full force and effect, a sexually oriented business regulatory license as herein required. [...] A sexually oriented business shall not be located within 500 feet of residentially zoned territor...
Massage Establishments
Operating a massage business in Chula Vista requires a Chief of Police-issued permit on top of a City business license, and every technician needs a valid CAMTC certificate. Businesses can open only 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chula Vista Massage Establishment Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsChula Vista Municipal Code § 5.36.050
It is unlawful for any person to own, maintain, manage or operate in or on any premises a massage business within the City without a valid massage business permit issued by the Chief of Police as provided by this chapter. A massage business permit also is required of any permanent or semi-permanent seated massage or reflexology installation.
Tobacco Retail License
Chula Vista requires every tobacco retailer to hold a City Tobacco Retailer's Permit issued by the Chief of Police, in addition to a standard business license and any state Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer's License. Selling without one is a misdemeanor and blocks new permits for months to years.
Chula Vista Tobacco Retailer Permit
Significant RestrictionsChula Vista Municipal Code § 5.56.020
It shall be unlawful for any Person to act as a Tobacco Retailer in the City without first obtaining and maintaining, for each location at which Tobacco Retailing is to occur, a valid Tobacco Retailer's permit pursuant to this chapter, a valid business license pursuant to Chapter 5.02 CVMC, and any and all required state licenses, including but not limited to a California Cigarette and Tobacco ...
Secondhand Dealers
Secondhand dealers in Chula Vista must hold a two-year Finance Director license backed by police approval, report daily transactions to police, and hold purchased goods unaltered for 30 days before resale.
Chula Vista Secondhand Dealer License Rules
Significant RestrictionsChula Vista Municipal Code § 5.38.090
It is unlawful for any pawnbroker or secondhand dealer to sell or otherwise dispose of any article, merchandise or object within 30 days... or to fail to keep such article, merchandise or object unaltered, as pledged or purchased, in lots separate and apart from other articles... except upon the approval of the Chief of Police; provided, however, that junk dealers, collectors, and secondhand de...
Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers in Chula Vista need a Finance Director license backed by written Chief of Police approval, plus a police-issued ID card for every employee. Licenses run two years; employee cards run one year.
Chula Vista Pawnbroker License Requirements
Significant RestrictionsChula Vista Municipal Code § 5.38.010
Every Person conducting, engaging in, or carrying on the business of pawnbroker or junk or secondhand dealer or collector shall possess a valid, existing and unrevoked license therefor. Such license or licenses shall be issued by the Director of Finance of the City... provided, however, that said Director of Finance shall not issue any such license without the consent in writing first having be...
Towing Companies
Chula Vista requires any owner or operator of a private tow car or tow truck to hold a special Police Chief-issued license in addition to a standard business license before towing vehicles for the City. The Chief investigates each applicant's background before approving.
Chula Vista Tow Truck Licensing
Significant RestrictionsChula Vista Municipal Code § 5.58.040
Any Owner or operator of any private tow car or tow truck service shall be required to obtain a special license under the provisions of this section in addition to the normal business license. Said license shall be issued upon application to the Police Chief and shall be subject to his approval. The Police Chief, or other properly designated officer, shall make an investigation of the Applicant...
Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chula Vista city rules.
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