Woodbridge, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)

Section 4-20.3 bars operating any premises as a massage, bodywork and somatic therapy establishment without a permit from the Municipal Clerk. Section 4-20.2 separately bans anyone from administering massage, bodywork or somatic therapy for consideration unless certified by New Jersey under the Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapist Certification Act, P.L. 1999, c. 19, effective August 7, 1999. Applicants file with the Municipal Clerk and pay a $500 nonrefundable fee (§ 4-20.4), though $150 is kept if the applicant withdraws within five days without having operated; permits run three years and can be renewed with a new application and fee.

Anyone operating without a required permit, or while one is suspended or lapsed, faces a fine of up to $500 per day of violation. The application under § 4-20.5 must list every therapist and employee's name and address, sworn proof that all therapists are state-certified, and personal history for owners and managers, including photographs, prior license denials or revocations, and any criminal convictions; applicants must consent to Police Department fingerprinting and background checks or be denied outright. The Building and Health Departments must inspect and confirm the space has readily disinfectable massage tables and surfaces, adequate bathing, dressing and locker facilities, with separate facilities if male and female patrons are served simultaneously, sterilizing equipment for nondisposable tools, and adequate hand-washing facilities (§ 4-20.6).

Fingerprinting happens on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for a $48 fee, and the Chief of Police has 90 days to approve or deny (§ 4-20.7).