Business Licensing & Operations in Riverside, CA (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
Massage businesses in Riverside need a city land-use permit and individual practitioners must hold California Massage Therapy Council certification, with police background checks for owners.
Massage Establishments Need Permits
Heavy RestrictionsTattoo & Body Modification
Riverside tattoo and body-piercing shops must register under the California Safe Body Art Act, obtain a city business tax certificate, and pass annual Riverside County health inspections.
Tattoo and Piercing Shop Rules
Some RestrictionsTobacco Retail License
Riverside requires a city tobacco retail license for any business selling cigarettes, vapes, or other nicotine products, layered on top of the California state license under STAKE Act enforcement.
Tobacco Retail License Required
Heavy RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Riverside secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers must register with the police, hold property for thirty days, and report all transactions to the statewide CAPSS database under California Business Code.
Secondhand Dealers and Pawn Reporting
Heavy RestrictionsAuto Repair on Residential Property
Riverside prohibits commercial auto repair in residential zones, limiting work on personal vehicles to non-disruptive maintenance and banning paint, body work, or repeated repair of others vehicles.
No Auto Repair in Residential Zones
Heavy RestrictionsTowing Companies
Tow companies operating in Riverside need a city business tax certificate plus California Public Utilities Commission and CHP authority, with strict rules on nonconsensual tows and storage fees.
Tow Truck Operator Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Riverside County →