Fall River, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Zoning Board of Appeals
- Allowed district
- Commercial Mill District (CMD) only
- Conditions tied to
- Board of Health regulations
- Review factors
- Traffic, congestion, noise, appearance
Summary
Fall River confines tattoo and piercing (body art) businesses to the Commercial Mill District and requires a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit tied to Board of Health regulations.
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a special permit for a body art establishment in the following district only: Commercial Mill District (CMD).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Body art establishments in Fall River, Massachusetts need a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which may attach conditions consistent with the Board of Health's piercing and tattooing regulations. Before granting one, the Board must find that the location, setback, parking, hours, and design won't harm the neighborhood through traffic, congestion, noise, or appearance. Critically, the Board may only grant the permit in one zoning district citywide: the Commercial Mill District (CMD).
Violations & Fines
Operating a tattoo or body-piercing establishment outside the Commercial Mill District, or without a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit, violates Division 9 and is subject to zoning enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in Fall River can a tattoo shop legally locate?
Does the city also regulate the health/sanitation side of tattooing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
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Tattoo & Body Modification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle tattoo & body modification.