Business Licensing & Operations in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
3 verified business licensing & operations rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Adult entertainment (sexually-oriented) businesses may only operate in Santa Monica's designated commercial districts, must be at least 500 feet from schools, parks, libraries, churches, and residential zones, and at least 1,000 feet from any other adult business.
Business Licensing: Adult Entertainment
Significant RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.59.030
§ 9.59.030. Location of Sexually-Oriented Businesses. A. It shall be unlawful to operate or cause to be operated a sexually-oriented business except as provided in this Code: 1. Sexually-oriented businesses shall be considered a permitted use only in designated commercial districts. Sexually-oriented businesses shall be prohibited in all other zoning districts in the City. 2. Within the designa...
Massage Establishments
Massage establishments and massage technicians in Santa Monica must obtain a police permit in addition to a standard business license. State-licensed massage therapists may qualify for an exemption from the police permit requirement under Section 6.104.170.
Business Licensing: Massage Establishments
Significant RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 6.14.050(d), § 6.14.020(b), § 6.14.110(b)
§ 6.14.050 The following business activities require a police permit: (a) Entertainment in bar, nightclub or restaurant. (b) Firearm sales. (c) Secondhand dealers... (d) Massage technician or massage establishment, except that no police permit is required if the technician qualifies for an exemption pursuant to Section 6.104.170 of this Code. § 6.14.020(b) The Chief of Police, within a reasonab...
Tobacco Retail License
All tobacco retailers in Santa Monica must hold a valid city tobacco retailer's license, renewed annually by June 30. Retailers must check ID for anyone appearing under 27, cannot display products within reach of customers, and may not sell from mobile locations.
Business Licensing: Tobacco Retail License
Significant RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 4.45.030
§ 4.45.030. Tobacco retailer license required. (a) No person shall operate as a tobacco retailer without first obtaining and maintaining a valid tobacco retailer's license pursuant to this Chapter for each location at which that activity is to occur. (b) Tobacco retailing without a valid tobacco retailer's license is a public nuisance. § 4.45.070. Prohibitions. (b) No tobacco retailer shall se...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
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