Lakewood, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Section 9350(A)(8) permits a 'Tattoo Parlor' in the C-4 General Commercial zone only through a conditional use permit, stating the same purpose language the code uses for adult businesses: keeping the use out of close proximity to itself and to facilities serving children and families, and limiting the total number citywide. No permit can issue if the site is within 500 feet of a residentially zoned area or an establishment serving alcohol for on-premises consumption, within 1,000 feet of another tattoo parlor or an adult entertainment business, or within 1,000 feet of a church, school, college, park, library, public playground or a use likely to be frequented by minors. As with adult businesses, the Planning and Environment Commission can shrink those buffers to no less than 250 feet after a hearing confirming the closer site won't harm neighbors and that buffering conditions, such as walls, parking placement and lighting limits, will protect public health and safety.

Separately, in the code's general conduct chapter, Section 4272.4 makes it unlawful for anyone conducting a tattoo business to administer a tattoo to an intoxicated person, and Section 4272.4.a extends the same prohibition to anyone under 21 years old, both added by Ordinance 92-1. Section 9302.44c defines 'Tattoo Parlor' for zoning purposes as any establishment performing tattooing for pay, carving out a specific exception for a licensed dermatologist working from a licensed dermatological office or hospital.