WESTMINSTER : City Plans to Adopt Tattoo Parlor Rules

The City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance regulating tattoo parlors, though none are currently located within the city.

In unanimously approving the ordinance last week, council members said the law must be on the books in case someone wants to set up a tattoo parlor, which the city can regulate but not prohibit outright.

The council will consider the ordinance for final approval July 26.

“Now we’ll have a little bit more say on how the business will be conducted,” said Planning and Building Director Mike Bouvier, who noted that he received inquiries earlier this year from people interested in opening tattoo parlors.

The ordinance defines a tattoo parlor as a facility where customers receive permanent marks or coloring to their skin by the use of a needle or apparatus as body decoration or adornment.

The ordinance would regulate both tattoo parlors and tattoo artists.

Under the ordinance, a tattoo parlor will be charged an annual license tax of $125 for one tattooing station. Each additional station will cost $62.50. Tattoo artists will have to pay a $50 annual permit fee to be allowed to ply their trade.

The ordinance also requires that the parlor operator secure a police permit and approval from the Orange County Health Care Agency before opening the business. Hours of operation for any tattoo parlor will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.