Business Licensing & Operations in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Opening an adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater in unincorporated Santa Cruz County requires a development permit that can only be granted if the site clears three distance tests under SCCC § 13.10.621(B): 500 feet from any school or public playground, 100 feet from another adult bookstore, adult theater, or massage establishment, and 400 feet from any residentially zoned parcel.
Santa Cruz County Adult Business Location Rules
Significant RestrictionsSCCC § 13.10.621(B)
No development permit shall be granted for the purpose of operating an adult bookstore or adult motion picture theater, as defined, unless in addition to satisfying all other requirements imposed by this chapter, the applicant can establish the following facts: (1) The property, or any portion thereof, on which the proposed use would be located is not within 500 feet of any property or portion ...
Massage Establishments
In unincorporated Santa Cruz County, a bath or massage establishment cannot open within 1,000 feet of another one, or within 500 feet of an elementary school, junior high school, or public playground, under SCCC Section 5.08.030. Operators must post their service list and prices, bar minors from working, and keep unrelated business off the premises, or face a fine.
Santa Cruz County Massage Establishment Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code Section 5.08.030 (Location restrictions)
No person shall operate a bath or massage establishment at any location if the property, or any portion thereof, on which the bath or massage establishment would be located is: (A) Within 1,000 feet of any property or portion thereof on which another bath or massage establishment is located and doing business; or (B) Within 500 feet of any property or portion thereof which is used for an elemen...
Tattoo & Body Modification
A tattoo parlor in unincorporated Santa Cruz County is zoned as a personal service business under the Commercial Uses Chart, needing a Minor Use Permit in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district (unless it is under 2,000 square feet, which is by right) and different permit tiers in the county's other commercial districts.
Santa Cruz County Tattoo Parlor Zoning
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 13.10.332(B); Table 13.10.332-1
A discretionary approval for an allowed use is known as a "use permit." Certain allowed uses are permitted by right and other allowed uses require a use permit as indicated in the Commercial Uses Chart. The processing procedures and findings for use permits are detailed in Chapter 18.10 SCCC, Discretionary Permit Approval Procedures. ... MUP Minor Use Permit: Discretionary permit, no public not...
Tobacco Retail License
Selling tobacco or vape products anywhere in unincorporated Santa Cruz County requires a County tobacco retailer license from the Health Officer, in addition to the state license, and no new license can issue within 600 feet of a school.
Santa Cruz County Tobacco Retail License
Significant RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 5.60.040 (Issuance of tobacco retail license)
No license shall be issued to authorize tobacco retailing at other than a fixed business place. No license shall be issued to authorize tobacco retailing at any location for which a tobacco retailer license suspension is in effect or during a period of ineligibility following a revocation... No new license may issue to authorize tobacco retailing within 600 feet of a youth-populated area as mea...
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