Diamond Bar City Inspectors Entered My Massage Room During A Client Session, Is This Normal?

I’m a massage therapist renting a suite in Diamond Bar, CA, and I’m really unsettled by how city inspectors handled visits to the building.

I’m wondering if someone reported me because I didn’t respond to them, although I don’t respond to every random message for personal safety reasons. Unfortunately, I’ve had past experiences with creeps and inappropriate inquiries. Most legitimate clients either book directly through my scheduling website which requires creating an account and helps verify identity or contact me through my Instagram.

The building is clearly marked with a QR code on the front door, and it states that it is “by appointment only”. The exterior doors are kept locked partly because of safety concerns in the area, including issues with people trying to enter the building.

During the first visit, inspectors repeatedly slammed on the window (about three rounds) and it shook the building. The suite owner tried to arrange a time for them to return, but apparently got redirected between departments. Then inspectors came back unannounced.

They went room to room, left doors open, and entered my room while I had a client on the table. There was a knock, but the door opened almost immediately afterward. I didn’t even have enough time to take a step toward the door and open it myself. I had a sign on the door indicating I was with a client, so it was obvious that a session was in progress.

They took photos and told me they needed to inspect the room. I understand that businesses may be subject to inspections, but I felt like I was expected to stop working immediately without prior notice or any explanation that there had been a complaint. It felt incredibly intrusive for both me and my client.

I was told I could not operate there because the suite owner had a cosmetology license and that I was not covered under it. What confused me was that I was not given any clear option or guidance about obtaining my own business license or becoming compliant.

I’m not trying to avoid regulations. I just want to operate legally, protect my clients’ privacy, and be treated respectfully. Has anyone dealt with Diamond Bar code enforcement or business inspections? Is it normal for inspectors to enter a massage treatment room during an active appointment like that? And how would you find out exactly what license or permit is required for an independent massage therapist renting a suite there?

Location: Diamond Bar, CA