Body Art Businesses
Body art businesses provide body art procedures such as tattooing, cosmetic tattooing, microblading and piercing. Piercings of the outer perimeter of the ear or ear lobe are not governed by the Minneapolis Body Art Code.
COVID-19 pandemic
For information about body art business closures, and other business closures, visit the Food, Lodging and Pools web page.
Business licenses
Body Art businesses are required to be licensed in the City of Minneapolis.
Body Art businesses must get a Body Art Establishment license through Minneapolis Business Licensing.
Individual technicians are licensed through the State of Minnesota.
The City of Minneapolis does not license individual technicians. Each individual practicing in the City of Minneapolis is required to show proof of state licensure. All Minneapolis regulations must be followed.
Body Art businesses are inspected yearly under the Minneapolis City Ordinance, Chapter 339: Body Art Code. The business licensee is responsible for making sure their business compliance with State and City regulations.
Any concerns about a body art business can be reported online to the Minneapolis Health Department.
Plan Review
Plans are required for any new or remodeled body art business. See Body Art Business Plan Review Guide.
Submit to Minneapolis Development Review:
- Body Art Establishment Plan Review application
- Copy of your plans
- Determine your plan review fee. See the Fee Schedule. Use the Food Establishment Plan Review Fees, on page 13.
- New businesses: New Risk 3 Establishment, 1,000 sq. ft. or less.
- Remodeling a business: Remodel Risk 3 Establishment, 1000 sq. ft. or less.
- The fee does not change based on the square footage of the body art business.
- The plan review fee must be paid when you submit your plans.
Before opening, a Minneapolis health inspector must conduct a pre-opening inspection.
Questions? Call 311 (612-673-3000) and ask to speak with an Environmental Health Supervisor.
Body Art Events
There are two types of temporary Body Art events:
- Larger shows or conventions where tattoo artists or piercers are invited to attend. Body artists will set up single booths where they will be practicing Body Art. These events are generally sponsored by the show or convention coordinator. A larger show or convention event may be no longer than 7 consecutive days.
- Guest artist events which are held at a licensed body art business. These events are generally sponsored by the business owner or a tattoo artist or piercer already licensed at the business.
All participating body artists must be licensed or permitted by the State of Minnesota prior to the event. Body artists must show proof of license or permit to the Minneapolis Health Department, Food, Lodging & Pools staff.
Tattooing - Body Art Temporary Event license application
Submit the application with all required documents (listed on the application) and fee to Minneapolis Development Review.
Questions? Call 311 (612-673-3000). Ask to speak with an Environmental Health Supervisor.
Every event must have an event sponsor who is responsible for:
- Submitting the Body Art Temporary Event license application.
- Ensuring the event is in compliance with state and local rules and regulations.
- Participating artists have obtained proper licensure and operate within regulations and event guidelines.
Accommodations
Should you require a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate, or information in an alternative format, please contact 612-673-2301.
Para asistencia 612-673-2700 - Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 - Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500.
Last updated Mar 20, 2020
