Winnebago County, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- State code adopted
- SPS 211, Wis. Admin. Code
- Permit required
- Non-prorated, annual
- License types
- Tattoo, piercing, or combined
- Administering agency
- Winnebago County Health Dept.
Summary
Winnebago County licenses tattoo and body-piercing shops through its Health Department rather than a separate ordinance. Operators need an annual permit under Chapter 11, and the county has adopted the state tattoo and body-piercing code, SPS 211, by reference.
The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the owner and operator of any retail food establishment, hotel, motel, tourist rooming house, restaurant, bed and breakfast establishment, campground and camping resort, recreational and educational camp, tattoo and body piercing establishment, manufactured home communities, public swimming pool, establishments possessing Class B or Class C alcoholic beverage licenses, vending machines.
(3) Definitions:
Revised 04/28/26
Full Breakdown
Chapter 11 of the county code names tattoo and body piercing establishments among the businesses the Health Department licenses as the state's designated agent, adopting Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 211 (Tattoo and Body Piercing) by reference under §11.11(1)(a) and applying the ordinance to their owners and operators under §11.11(2)(a). No operator may run such an establishment without a non-prorated permit from the Health Department, subject to pre-inspection and annual renewal by June 30. The county fee schedule lists separate license types for tattoo-only, body-piercing-only, and combined tattoo/body-piercing establishments, plus temporary versions of each.
Violations & Fines
Operating a tattoo or body-piercing establishment without a permit triggers a fee under the county schedule, and repeated or serious violations can bring permit suspension or revocation by the Health Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Winnebago County license tattoo shops separately from the state?
Can a shop offer both tattoos and piercing on one license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
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