Brown County, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Wis. Admin. Code ch. HFS 173 (adopted)
- Enforcing agency
- Brown County Health Officer
- Penalty
- $250-$2,500 forfeiture, up to 90 days jail
- Authority
- Wis. Stat. § 252.245(6)
Summary
Brown County adopts the state tattoo and body-piercing code (Wis. Admin. Code ch. HFS 173) by reference, regulating tattooists, body piercers, and their establishments countywide to protect public health and safety.
(5) Incorporation of Provisions of Ch. HFS 173, Wisconsin Administrative Code, Relating to Tattooing and Body Piercing. This chapter incorporates, by reference, the applicable laws as set forth in Chapters 250 to 255, Wisconsin Statutes, and the rules and regulations set forth in Ch. HFS 173 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code relating to the regulation of tattooists, tattoo establishments, body piercers and body piercing establishments in order to protect the public health and safety. These rules and regulations shall apply until amended, and then shall apply as amended. This subsection (5) is enacted pursuant to the authority delegated by Sec. 252.245(6) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Full Breakdown
Brown County Code § 37.05(5) incorporates Wisconsin Administrative Code ch. HFS 173 in full, applying its tattooist, body-piercer, and establishment standards throughout Brown County, including the unincorporated towns and any municipality that hasn't opted out of the countywide public health system. The county enacted this under delegated authority from Wis. Stat. § 252.245(6) to regulate communicable-disease risk from tattooing and piercing. Operators need the license required generally under § 37.08(1), issued and enforced by the County Health Officer, who can suspend or revoke it for violations found on inspection, with appeal to the Board of Health.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Health Officer license or violating incorporated HFS 173 standards is a chapter violation: forfeiture of $250 to $2,500 per offense, or jail up to 90 days if unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brown County have its own tattoo ordinance?
Who enforces tattoo shop rules in Brown County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.