Washington County, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

County Code § 8-6A incorporates by reference all provisions relevant to the Department's duties as local agent of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, including Wis. Admin. 0417 and Chapters 97 and 463 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Building on that authority, § 8-6C(1) prohibits operating a tattoo or body piercing establishment in Washington or Ozaukee County without first obtaining a license from the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, unless an exemption applies. 06(1) inspection authority among others. The license must be displayed where the public can see it and may not be altered or defaced under § 8-6C(2), and operating without a valid license draws a fee for operating without a license in addition to every other applicable fee on the Board's schedule under § 8-6C(3) and § 8-6H.

An applicant files a completed application, pays all fees, and supplies the proof and documentation required by applicable state law under § 8-6E(1); the Department must issue a license, a conditional license, or a denial within 30 days under § 8-6E(2). A conditional license spells out the violations to correct and the deadline; missing that deadline voids the license without a refund of inspection or license fees under § 8-6E(3). Licenses run through June 30 each year under § 8-6F and can be suspended or revoked for an uncorrected violation, with the action effective 15 days after written notice unless the operator requests a Board hearing in that window under § 8-6L.

An aggrieved applicant or operator may request a hearing before the Washington Ozaukee Joint Board of Health within 15 days of the Department's order under § 8-7B, followed by certiorari review in circuit court under § 8-7I.