Trenton, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual license fee
- $250 for massage salon
- License issued by
- City Clerk
- Operating without license penalty
- $1,500 flat fine
- Renewal window
- Dec. 1 to Jan. 31 annually
- Late fee
- $50/month, capped at $150
- Suspension for violations
- Up to 7 days
Summary
Every massage salon operating in Trenton must hold an annual business license under Code § 146-20, which sets the fee at $250. No massage business may open without first applying to the City Clerk under § 146-2 and § 146-3 and providing proof of state business registration.
B. The license fees affixed are for the purpose of regulation and control and shall be paid annually, in the amount hereinafter set forth, to the City of Trenton for conducting or engaging in business, at the place designated in the license certificate issued: ... (15) Service providers. (a) Barbershops, beauty shops, styling shops, nail establishments, including cosmetologists, manicurists and bootblack stands: $300. (b) Bondsmen, bail bondsmen: $500. (c) Massage salon: $250. (d) Tanning and toning or body-wrapping salon: $250.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4853025; v21 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 146 requires a license for the privilege of engaging in any business listed in its fee schedule, including a massage salon (§ 146-2). Before opening, the operator must apply to the City Clerk and cannot begin business until the application is made and the license issued and paid for (§ 146-3). Applicants must present a current business registration issued by the New Jersey Division of Taxation before receiving or transferring the license (§ 146-5), and a $15 application review fee applies to any new license (§ 146-11B).
Section 146-9 makes the premises owner responsible for ensuring compliance, requires an adult representative on-site to correct violations, and bars conducting the licensed premises so as to create or allow a nuisance. License receipts go on sale December 1 each year and the fee is due by January 31; unrenewed licenses become delinquent and accrue a $50 late fee per month, capped at $150 per location (§ 146-19A). The $250 massage salon fee sits in § 146-20B(15)(c) alongside barbershop, tanning salon and bondsman fees under the 'Service providers' classification, and covers one business location only (§ 146-20A).
Violations & Fines
Operating a massage salon without a license draws a flat $1,500 penalty under § 146-19B, separate from the unpaid license fee; if the fee stays unpaid 90 days after the initial notice, § 146-19C forces the business to close immediately and adds a $250 penalty. The City Clerk can also suspend a license for up to seven days for violating City ordinances or state law tied to the business (§ 146-26), with 72 hours to appeal to the Clerk and 24 more hours to City Council; City Council can revoke a license outright after notice and hearing (§ 146-28).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Trenton
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