Committee Approves Local Tattoo and Body‑Art Licensing Ordinance, 4‑1

The Wauwatosa Government Affairs Committee voted 4‑1 to create a new municipal code section to allow local regulation of tattoo and body‑art facilities in the city.

The ordinance under consideration would create section 8.16.001 of the Wauwatosa Municipal Code to permit and regulate tattoo and body‑art businesses locally rather than rely solely on state oversight. Planning Commission staff had forwarded a zoning text amendment to allow tattoo establishments; the committee considered the municipal code change as the first step toward local licensing.

Alder Foley objected, saying the change is broader than a single business and that city staff and the Health Department still had questions about whether local regulation or the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) should take the lead. “This is not just allowing Image Studios to have tattooing. It is a wholesale ordinance change, for the city to allow tattoo shops, body art in the city,” Foley said, adding the city should be cautious about adding a new program for the Health Department to administer.

Committee members who supported the ordinance framed it as equal treatment for lawfully permitted businesses. Chairperson Lowe said he would vote yes and another committee member argued, “We shouldn't discriminate on businesses based upon what type of business it is unless it's an illegal business.”

The motion passed 4‑1. Anna Brandon, serving in a voting/clerical role during the roll call, confirmed the tally when the committee clerk asked for a vote check.

Next steps: The staff presentation said the committee's recommendation will go to the full Common Council; specifics on licensing fees, inspection schedules and which agency will administer inspections will be resolved by staff as the ordinance is taken to the council or in subsequent implementing rules.