De Pere, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

De Pere Code of Ordinances § 106-4(b) folds the city's tattoo and body-art licensing into its health department's agent status program with the state. Under subsection (b)(2), no person may operate or open a tattoo or body-piercing business for public use without the proper license or permit, and license fees, including reinspection and late fees, are set by resolution of the common council. Subsection (b)(3) lists the state administrative codes the city health department is authorized to enforce as the state's local agent; item c specifically incorporates Wis.

Admin. Code ch. SPS 221, Tattoo and body piercing, by reference, though the individual practitioner's license under that chapter still comes from the state, not the city. Because a tattoo studio is a licensed facility within the scope of § 106-4, subsection (c)(1) requires the health department to inspect it at least once a year, more often if the establishment carries a history of chronic priority violations, and subsection (c)(4) lets the sanitarian enter the shop at any reasonable time after showing identification. Every license applicant goes through the general process in § 106-2: a completed application, payment of the license and background check fees the council sets, and proof of any bond or insurance the city requires before the license issues.

An applicant who owes delinquent taxes, special assessments, or utility bills to the city can be denied a license under § 106-2(d), and a denial may be appealed in writing to the board of health, the body that hears appeals of licenses issued under subsection (b). No license may be transferred or assigned. Violating the licensing chapter, including operating without the required tattoo license, carries the general forfeiture set under § 106-7, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.