Title 13 – Tattoo Establishments
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Subtitle 1 – Definitions
Balt., Md., Code § 13-101 (2026)
§ 13-101 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)Tattoo.
“Tattoo” means to prick, pierce, or otherwise enter the skin or the mucous membrane of an individual for the purpose of inserting pigments or raising scars.
(c)Tattoo establishment.
“Tattoo establishment” means any place at which a tattoo is administered for any form of consideration.
(d)Tattooist.
“Tattooist” means any individual who administers a tattoo for any form of consideration.
History: Ord. 99-548
Subtitle 2 – Licensing and Registration
Balt., Md., Code § 13-201 (2026)
§ 13-201 License required for tattoo establishments.LinkCopy Citation
No person may maintain, operate, or conduct a tattoo establishment in the City without a license to do so from the Commissioner of Health.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 13-202 (2026)
§ 13-202 Registration required for tattooists.LinkCopy Citation
No tattoo establishment may employ or otherwise allow any individual to act as a tattooist, and no individual may act as a tattooist, unless that individual has first registered with the Commissioner of Health.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 13-203 (2026)
§ 13-203 Applications for license.LinkCopy Citation
An application for a tattoo establishment license must:
(1)
be on the form that the Commissioner provides; and
(2)
contain the information that the Commissioner requires.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 13-204 (2026)
§ 13-204 Issuance of license; fee.LinkCopy Citation
The Commissioner must issue a license to the applicant on receipt of:
(1)
a completed application; and
(2)
the annual license fee of $100.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 13-205 (2026)
§ 13-205 Term.LinkCopy Citation
Unless sooner revoked, a license issued under this title expires annually on the anniversary of its issuance.
History: Ord. 99-548
Subtitle 3 – Regulated Activities
Balt., Md., Code § 13-301 (2026)
§ 13-301 Safety and sanitary standards.LinkCopy Citation
All tattooing must be done in conformance with:
(1)
the State regulations governing skin-penetrating body adornment procedures (<cite data-doc="Code of Maryland Regulations" data-path="10.06.01.06|H.">COMAR 10.06.01.06H</cite>); and
(2)
any additional conditions that the Commissioner adopts to protect the public health.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 13-302 to 13-303 (2026)
§§ 13-302 to 13-303LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Balt., Md., Code § 13-304 (2026)
§ 13-304 Tattooing minors prohibited.LinkCopy Citation
No person may tattoo any minor.
History: Ord. 99-548
Subtitle 4 – Enforcement; Penalties
Balt., Md., Code § 13-401 (2026)
§ 13-401 Suspensions, revocations, etc.LinkCopy Citation
Subject to the hearing provisions of Title 2, Subtitle 3 {“Administrative Hearings”} of <cite data-path="|health">this article</cite>, the Commissioner may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license or registration of any person if that person, that person’s tattoo establishment, or any tattooist employed by that person violates any provision of this title or of any order, rule, or regulation issued under this title.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 13-402 to 13-403 (2026)
§§ 13-402 to 13-403LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Balt., Md., Code § 13-404 (2026)
§ 13-404 Penalties: $1,000.LinkCopy Citation
Any person who violates any provision of this title or of any order, rule, or regulation issued under this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 for each offense.
History: Ord. 99-548