Georgetown, KY Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Tattoo establishments are regulated in Article III of Chapter 24, Sections 24-50 through 24-54. Section 24-51 makes it unlawful for any person to engage in the business of operating a tattoo establishment without first obtaining a license under the article.

Section 24-50 sets the vocabulary. An operator is any individual, firm, company, corporation or association that owns or operates an establishment where tattooing is performed, and also any individual who performs or practices the art of tattooing on another person. Tattooing means any method of placing designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols or any other mark upon or under the skin with ink or any other substance, resulting in coloration of the skin, by the aid of needles or any other instruments designed to touch or puncture the skin. The section also defines a certificate of inspection as written approval from the health officer, meaning the city health officer or an authorized representative, that the establishment has been inspected and meets the article's terms on physical facilities, equipment and layout.

The money rules are specific. Section 24-52 requires a $25.00 application fee with each license application, but no application fee for renewal of an existing license. A change of ownership requires a new application and license, with payment of the fees. Section 24-53 sets the license fee at $100.00 per annum.

Section 24-54 adds a fine on top of any revocation or suspension: not less than $25.00 and not more than $500.00 for each offense. A separate offense is deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. Sections 24-55 through 24-59 are reserved. A state law reference under the article points to Kentucky's tattooing statute, KRS 211.760, and to KRS 83A.065 for penalties on ordinance violations.