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

Chapter 146 of the West Haven Code, adopted by the City Council in 1984 and amended in 1989, regulates massage establishments. Section 146-4 bars anyone from operating a massage establishment in the city without first obtaining a permit from the Chief of Police or his designee, after approval by the Director of Health. Under § 146-6 the applicant files with the Chief of Police and pays a $50 permit fee, and the permit is renewed annually for $50. If the permit is disapproved, half the fee is kept by the city for its investigation costs.

The application (§ 146-5) must state the exact nature of the massage to be given, the proposed place of business and the name and address of each applicant. It also needs written proof the applicant is at least 18, two portrait photographs and fingerprints, three years of work history, any prior massage license history and any criminal convictions in the last 10 years other than minor traffic violations.

The Chief of Police fixes a hearing (§ 146-7) and posts notice on the property at least 10 days before. The permit can issue within 30 days after the hearing if the requirements are met (§ 146-8), unless the operation would violate the building, health, planning, housing, zoning or fire codes, or the applicant or manager has a felony, sexual misconduct with minors, or specified vice conviction. Before a permit issues, the Director of Public Health must inspect the toilets, waterproofing and washbasins under § 146-16.

Operating rules in § 146-17 bar business before 8:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m., ban alcohol on the premises, and require the establishment to post a full schedule of rates. Section 146-19 requires the Police Department and the Department of Public Health to inspect every massage establishment at least twice a year. Individual masseurs also need a separate permit with a $25 non-refundable filing fee (§ 146-11).