Stamford, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Director of Health
- Police screening
- Required before issuance
- Hours allowed
- 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. only
- Fine
- $90 per day, per violation
- Renewal
- Expires each June 30
Summary
Operating a massage establishment in Stamford requires a Director of Health permit issued only after screening and approval by the Stamford Police Department.
No person shall engage in, conduct or carry on, or permit to be engaged in, conducted or carried on, in or upon any premises in the City of Stamford, the operation of a massage establishment without first having obtained a permit from the Director of Health after screening by and approval from the City of Stamford Police Department.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 159 requires anyone operating a massage establishment in Stamford to obtain a permit from the Director of Health, granted only after the Stamford Police Department screens the applicant and approves. Applicants must submit fingerprints, photographs, a five-year business and criminal history, and designate a Connecticut Licensed Massage Therapist if the owner isn't one personally. Permits expire each June 30 and must be renewed annually. Businesses may operate only 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., cannot serve alcohol, and must post a full price schedule. This is separate from the individual state massage therapist license required under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-206a.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, employing a non-licensed masseuse, or violating the hours or advertising rules risks permit revocation and a $90 fine for each day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate state license too?
Can a massage establishment operate from a home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stamford
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Massage Establishments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle massage establishments.