Clayton County, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Section 50-2(a) makes it unlawful for any person or entity to violate a rule of the county board of health adopted under state law and approved for enforcement by the board of commissioners. § 31-3-5, the board of commissioners incorporated a list of health-board booklets as if set out in full, including, at item (6), the "Clayton County Board of Health, Body Art Rules and Regulations," adopted and approved by the Board of Health on September 5, 2024. That booklet is a public record kept on file with the clerk of the board of commissioners and open for inspection and copying under subsection (c).

The county's Office of Environmental Health Services fee schedule (Sec. 50-3) prices the permitting: a $300 plan review fee, a $400 annual shop permit fee, and a $100 annual artist license fee, with a $50 late fee for permits and a $50 re-inspection fee. Operators who need to open quickly can get a temporary seven-day shop permit for $125 or a temporary seven-day artist license for $50. Re-inspections triggered by cited violations cost $200, an owner-requested re-inspection costs $300, and shop renovations run $125 for minor equipment relocations or $150 for structural changes.

Delinquent annual accounts draw a $50 late fee plus a $150 corrective action plan review. Under Sec. 50-2(e), any violation of the incorporated rules is punished as provided in Sec. 1-12 upon conviction, and violations may be brought before the county magistrate court by citation from the health department director or a designated representative.