Business Licensing & Operations in Riverside County, CA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Riverside County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Riverside County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Adult Entertainment

Operating a sex-oriented business in unincorporated Riverside County requires a sheriff-issued permit, and the county will only approve one located in a permitted zone, at least 500 feet from any residence or another such business, and 1,000 feet from a school, park or religious institution.

Riverside County Sex-Oriented Business Permit

Significant Restrictions

Riverside County Code § 5.44.050(B)

The sheriff shall approve and issue a sex-oriented business permit if: 1. The sex-oriented business will be located in a zone permitting sex-oriented businesses as a use; 2. The sex-oriented business will not be located within five hundred (500) feet of any existing residence...; 3. The sex-oriented business will not be located within five hundred (500) feet of another sex-oriented business not...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Massage Establishments

Anyone running a massage business in unincorporated Riverside County needs a sheriff-issued business license, and every technician needs a separate personal license, both requiring the applicant be at least 18.

Riverside County Massage Establishment License

Significant Restrictions

Riverside County Code § 5.32.020

No person: A. Shall conduct a massage business in the unincorporated area of the county unless such person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and possesses a valid massage business license; B. Shall engage in or hold himself or herself out as engaged in the practice of massage in the unincorporated area of the county unless such person is eighteen (18) years of age or older and possesses a ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tattoo & Body Modification

Body art facilities and practitioners in unincorporated Riverside County must hold a Department of Environmental Health permit, with tattooing anyone under 18 a state crime.

Riverside County Tattoo & Body Art Permits

Some Restrictions

Riverside County Code § 8.164.030

This chapter shall apply to all individuals performing body art procedures and all body art facilities located within the County of Riverside. Riverside County hereby adopts, and incorporates by reference, the provisions related to body art as codified in California Health and Safety Code Section 119300, et seq. ... This chapter shall be administered and implemented by the Riverside County Depa...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tobacco Retail License

Riverside County treats vape shops like any other tobacco retailer: selling e-cigarettes or nicotine vapor products in the unincorporated area requires an annual Tobacco Retailer's Permit from Environmental Health.

Riverside County Vape Retailer Permits

Some Restrictions

Riverside County Code § 5.68.030(C)

It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a tobacco retailer without first obtaining and maintaining a valid tobacco retailer's permit pursuant to this chapter for each location at which tobacco retailing is to occur. Tobacco retailing without a valid tobacco retailer's permit shall constitute a public nuisance.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗