Health

Larimer County Body Art Regulatory Program

Currently, we are collecting feedback on the proposed regulations, which you can submit below. 

Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is launching a new Body Art Regulatory Program in 2026 to help ensure safe, sanitary, and professional body art practices throughout the county. The program was developed in response to community and industry needs identified through stakeholder outreach and a 2023 survey, which showed support for consistent health and safety standards. 

The program is designed to protect both clients and practitioners by reducing the risk of infections, bloodborne disease transmission, and other health hazards associated with tattooing, body piercing, branding, scarification, and permanent cosmetics. 

The new program establishes clear requirements for body art establishments and practitioners based on current public health science, industry best practices, and local regulations. Businesses that already follow state requirements and accepted industry standards should experience minimal operational impacts. The program primarily provides verification that health and safety practices are being consistently followed through routine inspections, record reviews, and education. 

Because local regulations must be at least as protective as state requirements, and may be more stringent in certain areas, businesses should always follow Larimer County regulations. The county's requirements reflect the most current science and best practices for protecting public health while supporting a safe and thriving body art industry.

The purpose of the program is to ensure that tattooing, piercing, scarification, branding, and other body art procedures are performed safely and hygienically. These procedures involve penetrating the skin and can transmit infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and other bloodborne diseases if proper practices are not followed. 

DRAFT Body Art Regulations

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Frequently asked questions about inspections, practitioner requirements, infection prevention, required documentation, permitting, and compliance can be found below. Larimer County staff are committed to working collaboratively with body art establishments and practitioners to provide education, answer questions, and support successful implementation of the program. 

FAQs

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  1. How will the program benefit body artists and businesses?

    The program helps:

    • Promote consistent safety standards. 
    • Increase consumer confidence. 
    • Create a level playing field among businesses. 
    • Reduce the risk of disease transmission. 
    • Provide a mechanism to address unsafe operators. 
  2. How will the program protect clients?

    The regulations require:

    • Proper sterilization of reusable instruments. 
    • Safe disposal of needles and sharps. 
    • Documentation of artist training. 
    • Written aftercare instructions. 
    • Client consent and risk notification forms. 
    • Proper sanitation and infection control procedures. 
  3. Is there evidence that a program is needed?

    Yes. In the latter part of 2023, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment conducted a survey of local body art establishments. The survey identified compliance gaps in several important public health areas, including Hepatitis B vaccination documentation, handwashing facilities, sterilization records, and spore testing of autoclaves. 

    What did the survey find?

    Some notable findings included:

    • 68% of the establishments surveyed could not provide Hepatitis B records for artists. 
    • 53% had issues with handwashing sinks or supplies. 
    • 57% of establishments using autoclaves did not maintain proper sterilization load logs. 
    • 43% did not have required monthly spore test records available. 
    • 21% had deficiencies in aftercare documentation or chemical labeling. 
  4. Who will be regulated?

    The regulations apply to body art establishments and practitioners performing activities such as:

    • Tattooing 
    • Cosmetic tattooing 
    • Body piercing 
    • Branding 
    • Scarification 
    • Other procedures that penetrate or alter the skin for decorative purposes. 
  5. What if a business already follows state requirements?

    Businesses already following state regulations should experience minimal operational impacts. Local regulations must be at least as protective as state health regulations, but counties may adopt more stringent requirements to address local public health needs. For this reason, businesses should follow local regulations whenever they differ from state requirements. Larimer County's proposed regulations incorporate the most current science, industry standards, and public health best practices to help ensure safe body art practices and protect both clients and practitioners. 

  6. Do other Colorado counties regulate body art establishments?

    Yes. Approximately 80% of Front Range health departments already operate body art inspection programs. Larimer County is one of the few Front Range counties that does not currently have a program. 

  7. Will temporary tattoo events and conventions be regulated?

    Yes. Temporary body art establishments and special events will require permits and must meet health and safety requirements established by the regulations. 

  8. Will there be fees?

    Yes. The Board of Health will establish licensing, application, and other program fees. Fees will support administration, licensing, inspections, education, and enforcement activities. 

  9. Will the Department provide education and assistance?

    Yes. The Department intends to work collaboratively with operators and artists by providing education, guidance, and technical assistance to help establishments understand and comply with the regulations.

  10. Will body artists need to be licensed?

    Yes. The proposed regulations require body artists to obtain a practitioner license from the Department and meet training and qualification requirements. Licenses must be displayed in the establishment. 

  11. What qualifications are required to become licensed?

    Body artists must:

    • Be at least 18 years old. 
    • Pass a written examination administered by the Department. 
    • Maintain current First Aid certification. 
    • Follow required infection prevention and aseptic practices. 
  12. Will body art establishments need a license?

    Yes. Every body art establishment operating in Larimer County will need a facility license issued by the Department. Licenses must be renewed annually and displayed publicly. 

  13. How often will inspections occur?

    The regulations allow the Department to inspect establishments at a frequency determined by the Department. The expected goal is routine inspections to verify compliance, with additional inspections conducted in response to complaints, follow-up needs, or public health concerns. 

  14. Will inspections be announced?

    No, generally inspections are unannounced.  Routine inspections may be conducted during normal business hours. Inspectors may also conduct complaint investigations and follow-up inspections as necessary.   Inspectors understand that inspections must be done in a manner that is not disruptive to the operation.  

  15. What will inspectors look for?

    Inspectors will evaluate compliance with every aspect of the regulations, including but not limited to: 

    • Handwashing washing and hand washing facilities 
    • Instrument sterilization procedures 
    • Sterilization records and spore testing 
    • Sharps disposal 
    • Client records and consent forms 
    • Artist training records 
    • Bloodborne pathogen protections 
    • Facility cleanliness and sanitation 
    • Required licenses and documentation. 
  16. Will inspection reports be public?

    The Department anticipates making inspection results available to the public, similar to other public health inspection programs, such as restaurant inspections. 

  17. What if an establishment refuses an inspection?

    Refusing entry or interfering with an inspection is a violation of the regulations and may result in enforcement action. 

  18. Can a license be suspended or revoked?

    Yes. Licenses may be suspended or revoked for serious or repeated violations, operating without a license, refusal of inspection, fraudulent applications, or conditions that pose a risk to public health. 

  19. What happens if an establishment is found out of compliance?

    Most violations will likely result in education and a requirement to correct deficiencies within a specified timeframe. Follow-up inspections may be conducted to verify correction. 

  20. What are the penalties for violations?

    The Department may assess penalties of up to $250 per violation per day, depending on the severity and duration of the violation and the risk posed to public health. 

  21. Will I be fined immediately if a violation is found during an inspection?

    No. The primary goal of the Body Art Program is to protect public health through education, collaboration, and compliance. In most cases, inspectors will work with operators and artists to explain requirements, identify corrective actions, and provide a reasonable opportunity to address violations.  However, enforcement action may occur immediately in certain situations, particularly when there is an imminent threat to public health or when an operator interferes with, obstructs, or refuses to allow an inspection. 

  22. What happens if a complaint is filed?

    The Department may investigate complaints regarding sanitation, infections, injuries, licensing, or other potential violations. Additional inspections may be conducted as needed. 

  23. Can the Department close a facility immediately?

    Yes. If an imminent health hazard exists that presents a significant threat to public health, the Department may order immediate corrective actions, including temporary closure of all or part of the facility until the hazard is corrected. 

Environmental Health

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