Tattooing
All Body Art Establishments in Chautauqua County require inspection before a Certificate of Sanitation is issued by the Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD). The Sanitary Code of the Chautauqua County defines a body art establishment as any room or space where tattooing / body piercing is practiced or where the business of tattooing / piercing is conducted. Once certified, each establishment is inspected annually to ensure compliance with Article XIII of the Sanitary Code.
If you intend to operate a body art establishment in Chautauqua County, please contact the CCHD Environmental Health Division at (716) 753-4481 prior to construction or remodeling. Many of the Sanitary Code requirements pertain to the construction of the physical facility.
Tattooing of any person under 18 years of age is prohibited by NYS Penal Law.
Microblading is a method of tattooing in which semi-permanent ink is added to the skin. Microblading shops and practitioners are subject to the same requirements as other tattoo shops in Chautauqua County.
Body Piercing of Minors
Written, notarized parental consent is required for any individual under 18 years of age to receive a body piercing. The only exception to the consent requirement is when the outer earlobe or perimeter of the ear is pierced with a pre-sterilized, single-use stud and clasp system. Consent documents and a copy of the parent's photo identification must be retained by the shop. The consenting parent must present the document in person. Individuals shops should be contacted for more information.
Body Artists
Individuals interested in practicing tattooing, microblading, or body piercing must obtain a Body Artist Certificate issued by CCDHHS Environmental Health Unit. Please contact the office at (716) 753-4481 if you are interested in becoming an artist in Chautauqua County.
Resources for Body Art Establishment and Body Artist Certifications
Application for Body Art Establishment (fillable PDF)
Application for Body Art Artist (fillable PDF)
NYS WC/DB Exemption (CE-200 form)
Chautauqua County Policy and Procedure Effective 11/1/2022
New York State Department of Health - Body Art - Tattooing and Body Piercing
