Facility Requirements

All Permanent Body Art Facilities shall comply with Article 4 starting with Section 119312 of California’s Safe Body Art Law.

How to Apply: Permit Requirements & Process

The following documents are required when submitting a facility permit application:

1. Completed Body Art Facility Application
Apply online (recommended): Submit your Body Art Facility Application through the MyEHS Portal. You can also pay your application fee online through the portal.

If you’re unable to apply online with MyEHS, you can download and complete the Body Art Facility PDF application at smchealth.org/myehs (see Resources & PDF Applications)

2. Facility Site Plan [including a detailed overhead layout of the entire facility identifying the procedure area, counters, storage areas, equipment and reception areas, workstations, handwash sink(s), restroom, and decontamination and sterilization area (if applicable)]

3. Body Art Room Finish & Materials List  

4. Body Art Facility Infection Prevention and Control Plan

5. Proof of service for sharps hauler (e.g., service agreement contract)

6. Consent Form

7. Medical Questionnaire

8. Aftercare Instructions

9. Proof of compliance with local business zoning requirements (e.g., business license)

10. Manufacturer’s cut-sheet for all sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclave) (if applicable)

Once the application is complete and all required documents are received, you will be issued a San Mateo County Permanent Facility Health Permit. You are required to prominently display the permit at your facility. Health Permits are valid for one year, and must be renewed annually.

Payment Options 

Payments must be made in person at the Environmental Health Services office, by mail, by phone at (650) 372-6200, or online through the MyEHS Portal.

Resources

Body Art Program fee schedule
Sharps Mail Back Services
Client Procedure Log
Consent Form, Medical Questionnaire, & Aftercare Instructions
Body Art Room Finish & Materials List
Sterilization Log Form
California Safe Body Art Law: Article 4 Permanent Body Art Facilities
San Mateo County Body Art Ordinance 04285

Recommend obtaining a CALOSHA Occupational Exposure Control Plan

Enforcement

You may be subject to the following penalties for violations of the California Safe Body Art Act:

Administrative fines up to $1,000.00 dollars per violation.

Permit and practitioner registration violations are subject to misdemeanor, suspension, modification, revocation and administrative fines up to 3x the cost of the permit or registration fee.

Closure of the body art facility and temporary event.