Business Licensing & Operations in Gaston County, NC (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Gaston County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Gaston County requires a police-chief-issued license before anyone opens or operates an adult establishment, under Code of Ordinances § 10-144. The $300.00 nonrefundable application faces a felony and sexual-offense background check, and licensed businesses must meet minimum lighting, stage-distance, and viewing-booth rules or risk suspension or revocation.
Gaston County Adult Establishment License
Significant RestrictionsGaston County Code of Ordinances § 10-144
(a)It is unlawful for any person to operate an adult establishment without a valid adult establishment license issued by the police chief. ... (c)An adult establishment must obtain a permit under this article before any other permits may be issued, including zoning, building code permits, or improvement permits.
Massage Establishments
Gaston County requires anyone practicing massage, or operating a massage parlor, health salon, or similar business, to hold a license under Code of Ordinances § 10-82. The county board of commissioners issues the $500.00 annual license, the county police chief inspects and can seek revocation, and operating hours are capped at 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Gaston County Massage Establishment License
Significant RestrictionsGaston County Code of Ordinances § 10-82
It is unlawful for any person, without a license being in effect as required by this article, to engage in the business, trade or profession of masseur or masseuse or the operation or callings set forth in section 10-81. Each day's continuing violation is a separate and distinct offense.
Tattoo & Body Modification
Gaston County requires a body piercing establishment or tattoo parlor to hold local and state health permits and comply with North Carolina's tattooing rules, and the use table requires a Special Use Permit before one can open.
Tattoo Parlor Rules in Gaston County
Significant RestrictionsGaston County Unified Development Ordinance § 8.2.37
Sec. 8.2.37 - Body piercing establishment and tattoo parlor. A.Must obtain appropriate local and state health permits.B.Must comply with rules governing Tattooing Operations in North Carolina.
Pawnbrokers
Gaston County requires a license to run a pawnshop outside the limits of any city, under Code of Ordinances § 10-123. The $50.00 application undergoes a felony background check, and licensed pawnbrokers post a $5,000.00 bond, cap interest at 2 percent a month, and follow detailed record-keeping rules.
Gaston County Pawnbroker License
Significant RestrictionsGaston County Code of Ordinances § 10-123
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.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Outdoor car repair on residentially zoned Gaston County lots is limited to routine maintenance on vehicles registered to the resident, capped at 48 continuous hours, with major engine, transmission, or body work confined to an enclosed garage. Any repair done for a fee is strictly prohibited on these lots.
Gaston County Home Auto Repair Limits
Significant RestrictionsGaston County Unified Development Ordinance § 9.17.A and § 9.17.C
Automobile repair conducted outdoors (i.e., outside of a garage) on residentially zoned lots is limited to those vehicles registered to the occupant of the dwelling and shall be limited to "routine maintenance". ... Under no circumstances shall outdoor automobile repair extend over a continuous period of 48 hours. In addition, no auto parts or work equipment such as jacks, ramps, or hoists shal...
Towing Companies
Gaston County licenses "rotation wreckers," the tow operators its communications center dispatches for police-ordered, non-consent tows of disabled or wrecked vehicles. Code of Ordinances § 10-64 bars operating as a rotation wrecker without a license, and Article III sets insurance, storage, and dispatch rules enforced by the emergency management director.
Gaston County Rotation Wrecker License
Significant RestrictionsGaston County Code of Ordinances § 10-64
No wrecker operator shall offer services as a rotation wrecker within the county without first having obtained a license as hereinafter provided.
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