Newton County, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Chapter 30, Article II regulates body craft and tattoo studios after the board of commissioners found that unregulated operation poses a real risk of transmitting communicable disease (Sec. 30-19, Sec. 30-20). Sec. 30-28 requires every owner to obtain a permit before operating, applying to the director at least 30 days before the anticipated opening date, on forms that are not accepted until complete with all application fees paid as set by the board of health. New studios must also submit a scaled floor plan signed by a registered engineer or architect, a zoning certification, a certificate of occupancy, a description of services offered, ownership information, and written policies barring anyone under 18 from performing or receiving body craft, barring body crafters from working under the influence, and barring animals except service animals (Sec.

30-28(f), (h)). Body crafting may never occur in a mobile, transitory or non-fixed facility such as an automobile, tent, mobile home or RV (Sec. 30-23). Permits expire annually 365 days from issuance, must be displayed on the premises, and cannot be transferred between owners or locations (Sec. 30-30). The director inspects each studio at least twice a year, charging an inspection fee set by the board of health and approved by the board of commissioners (Sec. 30-31(d)). A permit can be denied, suspended or revoked for false or misleading application information, a code violation on the premises, or a public health threat (Sec. 30-29).