Body Art Establishments

Did You Know?

• A person may not operate a body art establishment and may not operate in a body art establishment without a permit and license issued by the regulatory authority. Permits and licenses are not transferable from one person to another or from one location to another location. 
  • In addition, body art establishments must be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
• Body art in Wichita Falls means the practice of physical body adornment including, but not limited to, body piercing, tattooing, and cosmetic tattooing.

• Cosmetic tattooing means depositing pigment into the epidermis, utilizing needles, which are either permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary by someone other than a state-licensed physician. Cosmetic tattooing shall also mean permanent cosmetics, demography, micro-pigmentation, permanent color technology, and micro-pigment implantation.

In 1966, the City of Wichita Falls adopted, by reference, the rules established by the State of Texas that governs the standards under which Body Art Establishments are operated in the state. Health Inspectors routinely monitor Body Art Establishments to ensure they adhere to these regulations:

Local Ordinance

• Wichita Falls Ordinance Article IX. Body Art

Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 25

• 229.261: Assessment of Administrative or Civil Penalties
• 229.401–413: Minimum Standards for Licensure of Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios

Health and Safety Code

• Chapter 146: Tattoo and Certain Body Piercing Studios
• Chapter 431: Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 29

• Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens: Occupational Safety and Health Standards