Pomona, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)
Key Facts
- Use classification
- Personal Services - General
- Permitted zones
- RX1-CX5, IX1, by right
- Conditional zones
- I1, I2, CUP required
- Home business
- Expressly excluded, Sec. 550.C.8.c
- License required
- City business license, Sec. 50-334
- Unlicensed penalty
- Infraction, separate offense per day
Summary
Pomona zones a tattoo or body piercing studio as "Personal Services - General," a use the Zoning and Development Code permits by right, subject to standards, across RX1 through CX5 and IX1, with a conditional use permit required in I1 and I2. The same Code expressly bars tattooing from operating as a home-based business, so a studio must lease space in a qualifying commercial zone and carry a City of Pomona business license.
Any commercial use providing services directly to an individual involving personal needs, grooming, or maintenance. Includes instructional services, travel agent, real estate agent, hair cutting and styling, spa treatment, cleaning service, dry cleaning service, laundromat or laundry service, jewelry repair, tailor or seamstress, tattooing, body piercing, pet grooming, pet boarding (of fewer than four animals at a time) and bicycle repair.
Full Breakdown
" The Allowed Use Table marks Personal Services - General "P*", permitted subject to Sec. 1's General Commercial size standards, in the RX1 through CX5 and IX1 modules, and "C*", requiring a conditional use permit, in I1 and I2; it is not listed in R1, P1, P2, OS1 or OS2. Sec. " A tattoo or piercing studio therefore cannot operate out of a residence under any home occupation permit; it must lease commercial space in a qualifying module. Sec. 50-334 imposes the city's business license tax on every business, trade, calling and occupation in Pomona, and Sec.
50-336 makes it unlawful to conduct or carry on any business in the city without first obtaining that license and complying with the applicable sections of the licensing article.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 50-336 makes it unlawful to conduct or carry on any business in Pomona, including a tattoo or piercing studio, without first obtaining a City of Pomona business license; each day of unlicensed operation is charged as a separate infraction. Running a tattoo or piercing operation out of a home under a home-based business permit violates the express exclusion in Sec. 550.C.8.c and can draw a code enforcement citation and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a tattoo studio out of my Pomona home?
Which zones allow a tattoo shop by right?
What happens if a tattoo shop operates without a business license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pomona
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