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

Monterey City Code § 7-1.01(b) requires a health permit before anyone operates 'the business of a public laundry, barbershop, laundromat, beauty shop, bathhouse or tattoo parlor.' There is no separate tattoo-specific chapter: body art businesses share the same general health-permit article that covers several personal-service trades. Applications go in writing to the health officer under § 7-1.02, and the officer investigates whether the applicant and the premises meet state and City sanitation and health laws before issuing a permit tied to that specific location. Under § 7-1.05, 'health officer' means the duly appointed representative of the County Department of Public Health, so County health staff, not a separate City licensing desk, does the actual review.

Section 7-1.03 lets the health officer suspend or revoke a permit on proof of a violation, and § 7-1.04 requires the permit be posted in a conspicuous place and surrendered on demand once suspended or revoked. Permits are not transferable between people or locations (§ 7-1.06). A tattoo parlor holding a state permit that 'substantially meets' the City's requirements can rely on it under § 7-1.08, subject to the health officer's determination. Fees for issuance, renewal or inspection are set and kept by the County under § 7-1.09 to cover the cost of administering the Article.

Because Chapter 38's zoning code separately governs where a personal-service use may locate, a tattoo parlor still has to confirm its zoning district allows the use in addition to holding this health permit.