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

3 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code governs tattoo and body art establishments in the city's commercial zoning districts. In the C-1, C-2 and C-4 districts, a new shop can't locate within 500 feet of a public or private K-12 school or public park, measured from the outermost property boundary to the facility's entrance, but that 500-foot buffer is locked in at the time the business license issues, so a school or park that later moves within the zone doesn't force the shop to relocate.

Shops must also stay 500 feet from any other tattoo or body art establishment. m. Live animals are barred from the premises except service animals, and temporary pop-up establishments or events aren't allowed unless the planning manager approves a land use certificate. The facility has to be designed to screen tattooing and body-modification work from view of people outside, and windows can't display signage, advertising or images of specific anatomical parts. A posted sign at each entrance must state that no one under 18 is admitted without a parent or legal guardian. (the California Safe Body Art Act), Penal Code Sections 653 and 655, and Chapter 18 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (health regulations).