Business Licensing & Operations in Cleveland County, NC (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Cleveland County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
Cleveland County requires anyone operating a massage parlor, health club or working as a masseur or masseuse in the unincorporated county to hold a license from the board of commissioners under Section 5-57, backed by proof of good moral character and a doctor's health certificate for every operator and employee.
Cleveland County Massage Establishment License
Significant RestrictionsCleveland County Code § 5-57
(a)Application required; contents. Any person desiring to engage in the business, trade or profession of masseur or masseuse or the operation or carrying on of any of the businesses, trades, professions, occupations or callings listed in subsection (a) of section 5-26 shall, before engaging in such business, trade, profession, occupation or calling, file an application for a license, addressed ...
Pawnbrokers
Cleveland County bars anyone from opening a pawnshop in the unincorporated county without a license under Section 5-80, and Section 5-81 requires the applicant to be of good moral character, felony-free for ten years, and bonded five thousand dollars before the county clerk to the board issues it.
Cleveland County Pawnbroker License Requirement
Significant RestrictionsCleveland County Code §§ 5-80, 5-81
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to establish or conduct a business of pawnbroker unless such person, firm, or corporation has procured a license to conduct business in compliance with the requirements of this article. ... (a)To be eligible for a pawnbroker's license, an applicant must:(1)Be of good moral character; and(2)Not have been convicted of a felony within the last te...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Auto Repair (NAICS 81110) can't operate in any of Cleveland County's five residential zoning districts or in Corridor Protection. Section 12-124's Table of Permitted Uses only opens the use with a special permit in Neighborhood Business, and by right in General Business, Light Industrial, and Heavy Industrial.
Home Auto Repair Zoning Limits in Cleveland County
Significant RestrictionsCleveland County Code § 12-124
Table of Permitted Uses ... NAICS RU RA RR R RM NB GB CP LI HI ... Auto Repair 81110 S Z Z Z
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