San Mateo County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- County Code Ch. 4.110
- Permit term
- 1 year, renewable
- Enforcer
- Local Enforcement Agency (Health)
- Misdemeanor penalty
- $500 civil penalty per violation
Summary
Tattoo and piercing shops in unincorporated San Mateo County need an annual LEA permit, and every practitioner must hold a current registration.
No Person shall own or operate a body art establishment without a current valid LEA permit.(c)No permittee shall allow an individual who does not possess a valid LEA registration to perform body art procedures at that establishment.(d)No individual shall perform body art procedures without a valid LEA registration.(e)No individual shall perform body art procedures in violation of any state or federal law.(f)No individual shall perform body art procedures at any place other than a LEA permitted body art establishment.(g)No permittee or individual shall perform body art procedures without complying with the regulations set forth in section 4.110.090 of this chapter.(h)No individual shall perform body art procedures in violation of the standards set forth in section 4.110.110 of this chapter. (Ord. 4285, 11/15/05)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 4.110 bars anyone from owning or operating a body art establishment without a Local Enforcement Agency permit, and bars practitioners from performing tattoo, piercing or permanent-cosmetic procedures without a valid LEA registration. Permits require an establishment plan, an exposure control plan and fees, run for one year, must be displayed on-site, and cannot be transferred to a new owner or location.
Violations & Fines
Unregistered or unpermitted operation is a misdemeanor with a $500 civil penalty per violation (Health & Safety Code § 119306); administrative fines run $100 first offense up to $500 for a third violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do individual tattoo artists need their own registration?
Are medical piercings covered by this chapter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
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