Bellflower, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- District
- Town Center (TC) District only
- Permit type
- Administrative Use Permit (AUP)
- Reviewing authority
- Planning Director, BMC Ch. 17.98
- Contrast
- Massage establishments are 'NP' in TC
Summary
In Bellflower's Town Center District, a tattoo parlor needs an Administrative Use Permit before opening: one line item in the zoning table governing which businesses may operate downtown.
The letters "AUP" indicate the use is subject to the approval of an Administrative Use Permit pursuant to BMC Chapter 17.98. Where indicated with the letters "NP," the use is not permitted. Uses are subject to the special use or development regulations indicated in the "Special Provisions" column.
Table 17.48.040 Town Center District Allowable Uses Uses Special Provisions A Accessory Uses 1 Alcohol Sales (on-sale and off-sale) CUP 2 Drive-in/Drive-through CUP BMC § 17.48.140 3 Gun Sales CUP 4 Incidental Instruction P BMC § 17.48.095 5 Outdoor Dining P BMC Chapter 17.74 6 Tasting Room (non-alcoholic) P 7 Wireless Communication Facility CUP B Eating and Drinking Establishments 1 Bar, Cocktail Lounge, Pub or Tavern CUP 2 Restaurant, Cafe, Bakery or Coffee Establishment P 3 Restaurant with On-Sale Alcohol AUP BMC § 17.48.085 C Educational Uses 1
Child Care Center, less than or equal to 5,000 sq. ft.
AUP Second floor and above BMC § 17.48.125 2
Child Care Center, more than 5,000 sq. ft.
CUP Second floor and above BMC § 17.48.125 3
School (commercial, vocational or trade), less than or equal to 5,000 sq. ft.
AUP Second floor and above BMC § 17.48.125 4
School (commercial, vocational or trade), more than 5,000 sq. ft.
CUP Second floor and above BMC § 17.48.125 D Entertainment/Cultural Uses 1
Banquet/Fraternal Hall, less than or equal to 5,000 sq. ft. AUP BMC § 17.48.125 2
Full Breakdown
Table 17.48.040 in Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.48.040, the Allowable Uses table for the Town Center (TC) District, lists "Tattoo Parlor" as a permitted use only with an Administrative Use Permit (AUP), which the Planning Director reviews and approves under BMC Chapter 17.98. The requirement applies within the Town Center District along Bellflower Boulevard in the City of Bellflower, Los Angeles County. For comparison, the same table marks massage establishments "NP", not permitted at all, in the Town Center District, showing tattoo parlors are treated more permissively there than some other personal-service uses.
Violations & Fines
Opening or operating a tattoo parlor in the Town Center District without an approved Administrative Use Permit is a zoning code violation, subject to enforcement and administrative citation under Chapter 1.12 of the Bellflower Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tattoo parlor open anywhere in Bellflower's Town Center without approval?
Is an AUP the same as a Conditional Use Permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
California rules heatmap·Compare Bellflower to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
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