Stratford, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Chapter 135 of the Stratford Code, adopted by the Town Council on 7-13-1992, regulates massage establishments and massagists. Section 135-5 bars anyone from conducting a massage establishment in the Town without a permit from the Chief of Police after approval of the Director of Health. The sworn, written application gives the name and address of each applicant, confirms the applicant is at least 18 years old, and states the proposed place of business and facilities and the exact nature of the massage to be given. It also includes two portrait photographs of at least two by two inches and a full set of fingerprints taken by the Chief of Police. The fee is $250, not refundable.

The Chief issues the permit only on findings that operating and facility requirements will be met, that health, zoning, building, fire and safety requirements are satisfied, that the massage will not endanger patrons, and that neither the applicant nor anyone running the establishment has a conviction for a felony or offenses such as sexual misconduct with minors, obscenity, prostitution or pandering, unless that conviction or any suspension or revocation occurred at least three years before. Section 135-6 requires a separate massagist permit, with a $125 fee, a physician's certificate dated within 30 days, and proof of training. Section 135-7 sets a one-year term and requires renewal applications at least 60 days before expiration. Section 135-9 makes permits non-transferable.

Section 135-10 bars an establishment permit until the Director of Health finds, after inspection, that rooms for toilets, tubs, steam baths and showers are waterproofed and toilet and wash facilities are provided. Section 135-11 requires clean premises, clean laundered sheets and towels, and permits displayed conspicuously. Section 135-4 exempts schools, hospitals, nursing homes and state-licensed professionals acting within their licenses.