Porter County, IN Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Under Porter County Code Sec. 12-245, it is unlawful for any person to engage in body tattooing and/or body piercing at any location or facility that does not possess a valid permit issued by the county health officer, and the permit must be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. Each owner or operator is responsible for securing and maintaining the permit and for compliance with the section for all activity performed on-site. Permits run for a term of not more than one year and must be renewed annually on or before January 1; a late fee applies to renewal applications submitted after that deadline.

The annual permit fee and late fee are set by the county executive from time to time. Sec. 12-244 layers in a second requirement: operators must comply with the state board of health's minimum sanitation and operating standards under 410 IAC 1-5, which the county adopts by reference, and current copies of that regulation are kept on file for public inspection at the county health department. Sec. 12-246 gives the health officer authority to inspect facilities during regular business hours, collect evidence, and copy records; a facility found in violation gets written notice and a chance to correct it, but a second inspection showing continued violation can trigger a show-cause hearing within ten days and revocation of the permit until the operator is back in compliance.

The health officer may also suspend a permit for up to 30 days without notice or hearing where conditions pose an immediate health danger or where an operator interferes with an inspection, though the permittee can demand a hearing within 15 days of suspension.