East Brunswick, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Article IX of Chapter 135 of the Township Code covers health spas and related uses and massage, bodywork and somatic therapy establishments in East Brunswick Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Under § 135-64 the owner and operator file a written application with the Municipal Clerk on the Clerk's form and pay an initial license fee of $2,500.00. The application lists the ownership structure, business name and address, the principals, manager and assistant manager, the business history of the principals, and every criminal conviction of the principals within seven (7) years other than traffic or disorderly persons violations. It also attaches a copy of each therapist's valid state certificate or license and a complete list of therapists and employees, and the applicant signs a sworn declaration that the information is true.

Section 135-64.1 sets the order of review. The Clerk refers the application to the Chief of Police, who investigates and runs a criminal background check on every person with an ownership interest and every therapist. After police approval, the Township Planning and Engineering Department verifies that building, zoning, health and fire code requirements are met, and the Clerk issues the license. Under § 135-65 the Director of Public Safety files a report within thirty (30) days, and the license issues unless the investigation discloses a disqualifying conviction for dishonesty, fraud, deceit, sexual misconduct or prostitution within seven (7) years, a false statement in the application, or a prior denial, revocation or suspension of a similar license.

The license expires at the end of the calendar year. Under §§ 135-65.1 and 135-65.2 renewal costs $250 annually, and the renewal application is due to the Municipal Clerk by October 31st. A late filer reapplies as an initial applicant under the initial fee. Licenses are not transferable (§ 135-68), and § 135-65.3 requires immediate notice to the Clerk of any ownership change or new therapist, who cannot work until the Chief of Police approves. Under § 135-66 the establishment cannot conduct business between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day, and § 135-66.1 requires the permit and each therapist's state certificate to be displayed in an open and conspicuous place. Section 135-70 exempts licensed hospitals, nursing homes and clinics, licensed healing arts practitioners, state-licensed barbers and cosmetologists, non-profit corporations and governmental entities.