Article I — Purpose and Definitions
Norwalk Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Norwalk
§ 5.52.010. Purpose.¶
The City Council finds and determines that the regulations and restrictions found in this chapter are reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the City. The standards set forth in this chapter are necessary to reduce negative impacts such as opportunities for acts of prostitution and other unlawful sexual activity and to reduce the burdens on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the City of Norwalk Public Safety Department. Therefore, it is the purpose and intent of the City Council, in enacting this chapter, to regulate massage establishments and massage technicians for the protection of the public and the preservation of the peace and welfare of the community. (Ord. 06-1569 § 8, 2006; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 5.52.020. Effect of adult entertainment activities.¶
Any permittee who provides or allows to be provided any services which fall within any of the categories of "sexually oriented business," as defined in Section 17.04.100, shall immediately have his or her permit to operate a massage establishment or to work as massage technician revoked. No services conducted by a massage establishment or a massage technician will be permitted to continue upon revocation of the permit. (Ord. 06-1569 § 8, 2006; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 5.52.030. Definitions.¶
For the purposes of this chapter, unless it is plainly evident from the context that a different meaning is intended, the following words and phrases shall apply:
"Director" means the Community Development Director of the City of Norwalk.
"Massage" means any method of treating the external parts of the body for remedial, hygienic, relaxation, or any other reason or purpose, whether by means of pressure on, friction against, or stroking, kneading, tapping, pounding, vibrating, rubbing or other manner of touching external parts of the body with the hands, or with the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliance with or without supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol, liniment, antiseptic, oil, powder, cream, ointment, or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice.
"Massage establishment" means any business conducted within the City of Norwalk where any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation, or combination of individuals engages in, conducts, carries on or permits to be conducted or carried on, for money or any other consideration, the administration to another person of a massage. This definition shall not apply to the administration of a massage by coaches and trainers of students, amateur or professional athletes. Additionally, except as set forth in the following sentence, this definition also shall not apply to the administration of a massage by cosmetologists, barbers or persons licensed to practice a healing art pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 500 et seq., or the Chiropractic Act. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, this definition shall apply to the administration of a massage by an independent contractor of any person listed in the preceding sentence if the independent contractor is engaged in, or purports to be engaged in, the business
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City of Norwalk, CA
NORWALK CODE
§ 5.52.030
§ 5.52.030
of massage.
"Massage technician" means any person who administers a massage to another person for monetary consideration.
"Specified anatomical areas" means the following:
Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, and areola and nipple of the female breast;
Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered;
Any device, costume or covering that simulates any of the body parts included in subsections (1) or (2) herein.
(Ord. 06-1569 § 8, 2006; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
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City of Norwalk, CA
BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
§ 5.52.040
§ 5.52.050
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Norwalk Municipal Code
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.09 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND STAT…
- Chapter 2.10
- Chapter 2.12 — OFFICERS BONDS
- Chapter 2.16 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.18 — HOUSING AND BUILDING LOCAL APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 2.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 2.24 — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
- Chapter 3.28 — Chapter 3.32 UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE UNIFOR…
- Chapter 3.04 — FISCAL PROCEDURES AND BUDGETING
- Chapter 3.08 — FUNDS
- Chapter 3.12 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST CITY
- Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
- Chapter 3.17 — PUBLIC PROJECTS
- Chapter 3.20 — BIDDING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 3.21
- Chapter 3.24 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.30 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.32 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.40
- Chapter 3.42 — APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS
- Title 5
- Chapter 5.60 — MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS LICENSES GENERALLY
- Chapter 5.12 — AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
- Chapter 5.16 — AUTOMOBILE REPOSSESSION
- Chapter 5.20 — BINGO
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II
- Article III — Open Video Systems
- Article IV
- Article V — Definitions
- Article VI
- Chapter 5.28 — SPECIAL EVENTS AND BUSINESS EVENTS
- Chapter 5.32 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.40 — MOTION PICTURES AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
- Chapter 5.44
- Chapter 5.48 — PUBLIC DANCING, DANCE HALLS AND DANCE CLUBS
- Chapter 5.52
- Article I — Purpose and Definitions
- Article II — Massage Establishment Permit
- Article III — Massage Technician Permit
- Article IV
- Chapter 5.56 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Article I — Alcoholic Beverages
- Article II — Billiard Rooms and Pool Halls
- Article IV — Cocktail Lounges and Bars
- Article V — Handbill Distribution
- Article VI — Fortunetelling Activities
- Chapter 5.64 — SIDEWALK VENDING
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
- Chapter 6.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 6.08 — DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
- Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
- Chapter 6.28 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
- Title 8
- Chapter 8.52 — WATER CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 8.04 — COUNTY HEALTH CODE ADOPTED
- Chapter 8.08 — PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSES REGULATION ADOPTED
- Chapter 8.12 — ABANDONED AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES
- Chapter 8.16 — CAPPING OF ABANDONED WELLS
- Chapter 8.24 — GRAFFITI REMOVAL
- Chapter 8.28 — LITTER AND WEED CONTROL
- Chapter 8.32 — OBSCENE FILMS AND MOTION PICTURES
- Chapter 8.36 — PROPERTY NUISANCES
- Chapter 8.40 — SHOPPING CART IMPOUND
- Chapter 8.44 — PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL A…
- Article I — In General
- Article III — Collector Agreement
- Article IV — Rates
- Article VII
- Article VIII — Residential Collection and Recycling
- Article IX — Commercial/Industrial Collection
- Article X
- Chapter 8.50 — ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION
- Chapter 8.52
- Chapter 8.56 — VACANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY REQUIR…
- Chapter 8.60
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.04 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND DECENCY
- Article II — Gambling and Certain Games
- Article IV — Fees for the Use of Sheriff Personnel
- Article V — Peddling Near Schools
- Article VI — Newsracks
- Chapter 9.08 — OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.12 — CONSUMER PROTECTION
- Chapter 9.14 — GRAFFITI REDUCTION AND PREVENTION
- Chapter 9.16 — OFFENSES BY OR AGAINST MINORS
- Chapter 9.20 — CURFEW
- Chapter 9.24 — WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.26 — BAN ON SELF-SERVICE TOBACCO DISPLAYS
- Chapter 9.28
- Chapter 9.29 — CITY SKATE PARK FACILITIES
- Chapter 9.30 — SPEED CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED
- Chapter 9.31
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
- Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
- Chapter 10.04 — COUNTY TRAFFIC CODE ADOPTED
- Chapter 10.08 — PARKING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.09 — PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES …
- Chapter 10.10
- Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
- Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
- Chapter 12.04 — IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 12.08 — CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
- Article II — Alterations
- Article III — Painting Street and House Numbers
- Chapter 12.16 — OBSTRUCTIONS
- Chapter 12.20 — ENCROACHMENTS
- Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
- Chapter 12.28 — STREET VACATION
- Chapter 12.32 — TREES AND SHRUBS
- Chapter 12.36 — PARADES, ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ASSEMBLIES
- Chapter 12.40 — RECREATION AND PARKS
- Chapter 12.44 — CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 12.48
- Title 13
- Chapter 13.12 — COUNTY SANITARY SEWER AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE ORD…
- Article I — Administration of City Water Department
- Article II — Application for Water Service
- Article III — Installation, Maintenance and Inspection
- Article IV
- Article V
- Chapter 13.08 — CROSS CONNECTIONS
- Chapter 13.12
- Chapter 13.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
- Article I — General Provisions and Definitions
- Article III
- Chapter 13.24 — REIMBURSEMENT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.06 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.08 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 15.12 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.16 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.20 — SWIMMING POOL CODE
- Chapter 15.24 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.26 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.28 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.30 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 15.32 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Chapter 15.36 — HOUSE NUMBERING
- Chapter 15.40 — STREET DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 15.44 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
- Chapter 15.48 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 15.52 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
- Chapter 15.54 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.01 — ADMINISTRATION
- Article II — Enforcement
- Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
- Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
- Chapter 16.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Article V
- Article VI — Voluntary Lot Mergers
- Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
- Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
- Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
- Article II — Tentative Maps, Filing and Review Procedures
- Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
- Article IV — Final Maps
- Article V — Lot Line Adjustment
- Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
- Article I — Dedications
- Title 17
- Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
- Article VI
- Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
- Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
- Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
- Chapter 17.09 — SPECIFIC PLAN AREAS
- Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
- Article XII
- Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
- Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
- Chapter 17.01 — ADMINISTRATION
- Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of …
- Article III — Permits, Licenses and Violations
- Article IV — Nonconforming Buildings and Uses
- Article I — Procedure, Hearing, Notices
- Article II — Consistency with Hazardous Waste Management Plan
- Article III — Acquisition and Use of Public-Owned Property
- Article IV — Administrative Approvals and Permits
- Article V — Discretionary Approvals and Permits
- Chapter 17.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Article II — Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
- Article III — Signs
- Article IV — Structural and Site Requirements
- Article 0
- Article I — Specific Uses in Any Zone
- Article II — Specific Uses in Commercial and/or Manufacturing …
- Article III — Specific Uses in Residential Zones
- Article IV — Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
- Article V — General Standards
- Article VI — Mixed Use Developments
- Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
- Article II — R-2 Zone, Multi-Family Medium Density Residential…
- Article III — R-3 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential …
- Article IV — R-H Zone, Residential Horse Property Zone
- Article V — R-4 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential Zone
- Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
- Article II — C-3 Zone, General Commercial Zone
- Article III — C-M Zone, Commercial Manufacturing Zone
- Article IV — C and O Zone, Commercial and Office Zone
- Article V — P/O Zone, Professional/Office Zone
- Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
- Article II — M-2 Zone, Heavy Manufacturing Zone
- Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
- Article II — P-F Zone, Public Facilities Overlay Zone
- Article III — O-S Zone, Open-Space Zone
- Article IV — I Zone, Institutional Zone
- Article V — L-W Overlay Zone, Live-Work Overlay Zone
- Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
- Article II — Specific Plan Area No. 2
- Article III — Specific Plan Area No. 3
- Article IV — Specific Plan Area No. 4
- Article V — Specific Plan Area No. 5
- Article VI — Specific Plan Area No. 6
- Article VII — Specific Plan Area No. 7
- Article VIII — Specific Plan Area No. 8
- Article IX — Specific Plan Area No. 9
- Article X — Specific Plan Area No. 10
- Article XI — Specific Plan Area No. 11
- Article XII — Specific Plan Area No. 12
- Article XIII — Specific Plan Area No. 13
- Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
- Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
- Chapter 17.10 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONES
- Article II — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 1
- Article III — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 2
- Article IV — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 3
- Chapter 17.11 — ZONING APPENDICES
- Title 18
- Chapter 18.04 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
- Title PCT
- Title OL