MISSION VIEJO : New Regulations for Tattoo Parlors Studied

The Planning Commission will consider adding tattoo parlors to the list of restricted businesses in the community.

A proposed ordinance concentrates on health issues associated with tattoo shops, setting up tight sanitation standards and requiring regular inspections and complete record-keeping.

If the measure is approved by the commission and the City Council, tattoo establishments would join massage parlors, adult book shops and topless cabarets specifically restricted by city law in the past year.

The adult businesses are restricted by ordinance to certain areas of the city. The proposed tattoo law has no geographic limitations, but officials haven’t completely ruled them out. Nor have they ruled out banning tattoo parlors outright.

“There is some overlap in these types of businesses, but there are certainly some areas that don’t overlap,” said Assistant City Atty. Tim Cremin.

Commissioners have scheduled a March 6 public hearing on the proposed ordinance. If passed by the commission, it will go before the council for final approval.

The ordinance would establish operating procedures for tattoo parlors, starting with screening each customer for jaundice and hepatitis. Sterilization procedures, new needles for each customer, single-use dye containers and many other requirements are detailed in the proposed city law.