Springfield, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- Commissioner of Public Health
- License term
- 1 year, renewable
- Hearing required
- within 21 days
- Max fine
- $300 per offense
Summary
Springfield requires anyone practicing massage or operating a bath, vapor, pool, or shower establishment for hire to hold an annual license from the Commissioner of Public Health, issued only after a hearing on the application.
No person shall practice massage, or conduct an establishment for the giving of vapor, pool, shower, or other baths for hire or reward, or advertise or hold oneself out as being engaged in the business or occupation of massage or the giving of said baths without receiving a license therefor from the Commissioner of Public Health of the City.
B. The Commissioner shall have the authority to grant said license to qualified applicants upon such terms and conditions as he finds necessary and may make such rules and regulations in regard to said business or occupation as he finds proper; provided that, within 21 days after receipt of a formal application accompanied by a fee set annually by the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall conduct a hearing on the application.
C. Reasonable notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given and the applicant may be represented by counsel of his choice and may present any witnesses or evidence material to the application.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 247 requires anyone who practices massage, or runs an establishment offering vapor, pool, shower, or other baths for hire, to hold a license from Springfield's Commissioner of Public Health under § 247-1; advertising the business without one is also barred. The Commissioner holds a hearing within 21 days of a complete application and fee, issues a written decision within 90 days (§ 247-2), and licenses run one year, renewable under § 247-3. Noncompliance with state or local rules lets the Commissioner suspend or revoke the license after notice and hearing under § 247-4.
Violations & Fines
Practicing massage, or advertising a massage or bathhouse business, without a Commissioner of Public Health license violates § 247-1 and § 247-6, punishable by a fine up to $300 per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a massage license in Springfield, MA?
How long does a Springfield massage license last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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