Read this before you sign

Before new businesses commit to a space, sign a lease, or apply for a business license, first make sure the proposed business use/type is allowed at the location by emailing planning@carlsbadca.gov.  When emailing, please provide details on the business use/type along with an address/suite number you are interested in.  Staff will let you know if it’s: 1) allowed, 2) additional land use permits are required prior to occupying the space or 3) not allowed. Please also note if you propose building renovations, a building permit may be required. To find out more, please email building@carlsbadca.gov or visit Community Development at 1635 Faraday Ave during regular business hours, Monday thru Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except city-observed holidays.

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 certificate of registration

• All massage establishments must comply with the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 5.16.
• All massage establishments must apply online for a certificate of registration.
  • From the city home page, select “Apply for Permits”
  • Carefully select from the following:
    • Certified Massage Business: any massage business where the only persons employed or used by that business to provide massage services have current and valid state certifications. Applicant does not have to be certified, ie: general manager, manager, etc.
    • Applicant/Owner NOT State Certified: applicant owns 5% or more of the massage business but is not state certified and employs state certified massage therapists.
    • Certified Sole Proprietorship: the owner is the only person employed or used by that business to provide massage services, and the owner has a current and valid unconditional state certification.
    • Off-Premises Massage: engaging in or carrying out of a massage for compensation or consideration of any type at a residence or workplace location designated by the patron and not at fixed place of business.
• If any massage establishment owner/applicant does not have a CAMTC certificate, in addition to completing an application for a  massage certificate of registration, that owner will be required to submit to successfully completing fingerprinting and a background check. Please call the Carlsbad Police Department at 442-339-2100 to schedule an appointment.
• A massage business may only employ CAMTC certified masseuses. All masseuses working in the City of Carlsbad must have a valid and current government identification, a CAMTC certificate and a CAMTC identification card and a massage certificate of registration-individual.
• 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 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.