Massage Establishment FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need to apply for an Establishment Registration Certificate?
A: The City of Huntington Beach recently approved the revision of Chapter 5.24 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code governing massage establishments and the massage industry. This revision includes the requirement for all persons owning or operating a massage establishment to register with the city and obtain and maintain a valid Establishment Registration Certificate.
Q: What does an Establishment Registration Certificate do for my massage business?
A: Possession of a valid Establishment Registration Certificate ensures that as an owner or operator of a massage establishment you have registered with the city, that you understand the laws and duties governing the massage industry, and therefore certifies you to continue operating as a massage establishment in our city.
Q: What happens if I am not in possession of a valid Establishment Registration Certificate?
A: Not possessing a valid Establishment Registration Certificate renders your business as non-compliant and you will be issued citations with fines starting at $250. Additionally if you are not in possession of a valid Establishment Registration Certificate your business is in jeopardy of the ability to continue operating in the City of Huntington Beach.
Q: What is the process to apply for an Establishment Registration Certificate?
A: The process includes filling out the application completely and accurately, which includes all required additional documents, and paying the annual fee of $565.00.
Q: I own or operate the establishment but I am not state certified by CAMTC. Do I need any other documents?
A: Yes. If you own or operate the massage establishment and are not state certified through CAMTC, you are required to conduct a live scan report through the California Department of Justice. Please go to their website at http://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints, click on ‘Public Live Scan Sites’ and follow directions on how to complete this process. You will need to provide the live scan operator with a specific form from the City of Huntington Beach Police Department. You can obtain this form at the Business License office or by following this link:
http://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/files/users/finance/live-scan-form.pdf. After you submit the form to the live scan operator, and the live scan process is completed, the document showing your results will be sent directly to the City of Huntington Beach Police Department and included with your Establishment Registration Certificate application.
Q: Am I required to apply and pay for an Establishment Registration Certificate every year?
A: Yes, the Establishment Registration Certificate is annual with the effective and expiration dates coinciding with your annual Business License.
Q: Does my Establishment Registration Certificate take the place of my Business License?
A: No, the Establishment Registration Certificate does not take the place of your Business License. You will need to maintain both a valid Establishment Registration Certificate and a valid Business License.
Q: Who can I speak with if I have further questions?
A: If you have further questions you can contact the business license department at 714-536-5267 from 9:00 am through 4:00 pm. Or you can visit our office in person from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We are on the first floor of City Hall located at 2000 Main Street.
Did you know?
Huntington Beach has 75 parks and these parks have 754 acres! You can find information about the City parks by viewing our City Parks Locator.
