I would like to know, How can I open a tattoo shop in Los Angles?

Question

I've been tattooing for 13yrs. underground, at home or at clients home. Lots of clients ask me to open a shop, but I need information to take that step. Can some one help? Thanx.

Answer 1

I suggest you call the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services http://www.ladhs.org/ . This is the number to call for tattoos and Body Art = 626-430-5440

From the website of a tattoo shop operator, they have a list of regulations set by the Los Angeles County in the operation of a tattoo shop http://www.luckyfish.com/laregs.html . Verify the information with the county officials

Business license. Public hearing shall be held for every application for a new license, first year for body art establishment $2027, annual renewal $184. Most business licenses run about $200, the only thing that comes CLOSE to this fee is $2000 for adult massage parlors. Business license commission may specify permitted hours of operation. If this license is revoked the former licensee shall not be able to apply for a new license for 1 year.

Public Health Facility Permit. Conditional Use Permit, which will tie in to zoning laws, which are already being used around the country to shut down or move undesirable businesses.

Plan Check and site Inspection fees $207. Within 69 days of ordinance effective date (which seems to mean by November 9, 1999) owners of studios must submit 3 sets of complete legible plans for their establishment, drawn to scale, including all specifications required. (Which are nowhere specified.)

Site Transfer / site address change $35 fee.

Insurance (PLPD & malpractice) for a liability of $1 million

Written Log required with date & time of service, technician's name, client's name & date of birth, description of service provided, maintained for 3 years.

Consent Form signed by all clients, showing they have given informed consent, have been given care instructions verbally and in writing, and have been informed of risks and side effects. They are given a copy of the form and the original is kept on file at the studio for 3 years.

Written Exposure Control Plan to minimize risk of exposure must be approved by the Health Department.

Required to report infections of complications or diseases resulting from body art activity within 24 hours to Health Department.

Fees for costs incurred by County Health Officer $105. Health Officer may enter and inspect any location suspected of conducting any activities regulated, issue notices and impose fines, take posession of any sample, photograph, record or other evidence. Such inspections may be conducted as often as is necessary. May impound any equipment, device or supply that is found to be unsanitary or lacking in any required approval.

Public Health concerns sign referring people to the Dept. of Health if they have problems with the studio must be posted.

Sign with names of all registered artists must be posted.

Restroom sign reminding people to wash their hands must be posted.

No smoking sign must be posted.

At all times the establishment is open Manager must be on premises.

The Owner of a Body Art Establishment is responsible for any violation by any person who does any body art activity with the owner's consent in the owner's establishment...whether such person is an employee or an independent operator.

Answer 2

get a small business loan and find a location where your clients like to hang out. Make some cards and pass em' out. First make sure you don't have a lot of competition in the area. If there are you product has to be different in some aspect. Maybe the tats, maybe the service. But you can always fire bomb them.

Answer 3

First thing would be to find a place to lease. I hope you have money saved up. Secondly, the business license.

Answer 4

i think u need to get a license