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

City of Waterbury Code of Ordinances Chapter 117 makes it unlawful to "engage in, conduct or carry on" a massage establishment anywhere in the city without first obtaining a permit from the Superintendent of Police (§ 117.15). Applicants file a written, sworn application with a non-refundable fee set by the Board of Aldermen, and must submit two 2-by-2-inch photographs plus a full set of fingerprints taken by the Police Department, three years of business and massage-license history, any criminal convictions besides minor motor vehicle offenses, architect-prepared floor plans, and a list of anyone holding a 10% or greater financial interest (§ 117.16).

Applications must be filed 90 days before opening, and a permit stays valid until the next renewal date unless suspended or revoked. The Superintendent can only issue the permit after finding the operation will not endanger patron health or safety and that the applicant has no felony conviction or history of prostitution, pandering, or unauthorized practice of the healing arts (§ 117.17). Permits run one year and renewal applications are due at least 60 days before expiration with a fee set by the Board of Aldermen (§ 117.18).

The Superintendent of Police or Health Director can inspect any massage establishment at reasonable times, and refusing access or hindering an inspection is itself a violation (§ 117.19). Grounds for revocation or suspension under § 117.20 include a moral-turpitude or prostitution-related conviction, using or permitting illegal drugs on the premises, serving alcohol on-site, allowing contraband, or failing state or city health standards. Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and licensed practitioners of massage therapy, physical therapy, podiatry, nursing, or dentistry acting within their licenses are exempt from the chapter (§ 117.04).