Read this before you sign

Before you sign a lease, make sure your type of business is allowed at the location and that you know what permits and fees might be required. The City of Carlsbad's development services manager is here to help by researching the allowed uses for different parts of town and any special permits, fees and requirements - all important information to know before committing to a space. This service is free and fast - just give us a call at 442-339-2774, or email kerry.jezisek@carlsbadca.gov.

An additional state fee of $4 will be charged on any applicant for a local business license or equivalent instrument or permit, or renewal thereof, for purposes to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws.

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

• The Division of the State Architect
• The Department of Rehabilitation
• The California Commission on Disability Access

Massage license

• All massage establishments must comply with the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 5.16.
• If all massage establishment owners have a CAMTC certificate, that business will need a business license and must complete an application for a Certificate of Registration-Business.
  • A massage establishment owner who will also be practicing massage in the City of Carlsbad must be CAMTC certified and needs a CAMTC certificate, a CAMTC identification card, a Certificate of Registration-Individual, and a Certificate of Registration-Business. The Certificate of Registration-Business may be shared with other business owners.
  • Please contact Investigations@carlsbadca.gov to make an appointment to obtain a Certificate of Registration-Individual. You will need to bring a photo ID, your CAMTC certificate, and your CAMTC identification card to this appointment.
• If any massage establishment owner does not have a CAMTC certificate, in addition to completing an application for a Certificate of Registration-Business, that owner will be required to submit to successfully completing fingerprinting and a background check.
• A massage business may only employ CAMTC certified masseuses. All masseuses working in the City of Carlsbad must have a CAMTC certificate and a CAMTC identification card and must complete an application for a certificate of registration-individual.
  • Please contact Investigations@carlsbadca.gov to make an appointment to obtain a Certificate of Registration-Individual. You will need to bring a photo ID, your CAMTC certificate, and your CAMTC identification card to this appointment.
• To avoid enforcement action, immediately notify the police department of any changes to massage personnel, business owners, or other changes to the information provided in an application for a Certificate of Registration by emailing Investigations@carlsbadca.gov.
• Please submit your Massage Business Certificate of Registration Application via email to Investigations@carlsbadca.gov or in person or via mail to:

Massage Certificate Application
Carlsbad Police Department
2560 Orion Way
Carlsbad, CA 92010 

• Please review Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 5.16 for additional requirements and information regarding the City of Carlsbad’s massage ordinance.
• In the event of a denial, suspension, or revocation of a certificate of registration, a request for hearing should be emailed to Investigations@carlsbadca.gov within 14 calendar days of the date of the notice.
  • The hearing officer’s decision can be appealed to the City Manager by filing an appeal form with the Office of the City Clerk within 10 calendar days of receipt of the hearing officer’s decision.