Tattoo and Body Art – Business Services

Philadelphia Department of Public Health describes body piercing as the process of penetrating the skin or mucous membrane for the purpose of insertion of any object, including but not limited to jewelry for cosmetic purposes. Tattooing is described as the process by which the skin is marked or colored by insertion of nontoxic dyes or pigments into or under the subcutaneous portion of the skin so as to form indelible marks for cosmetic, medical or figurative purposes. Body Art is defined by the practice of physical body adornment by permitted establishments and operators.

Required

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Obtain a Business Income and Receipts Tax ID

Every individual, partnership, association and corporation doing business in Philadelphia must file a Business Income and Receipts Tax Return in whether or not they earned a profit during the preceding year. Rental activities are usually considered business activities.

Obtain a Commercial Activity License

An Activity License is required for all businesses and non-profits operating in Philadelphia. This includes businesses that are located outside the city limits but do some or all of their business activity in the City.

Zoning and Use

The Philadelphia Zoning Code regulates development within the city. Zoning regulations govern land use, the height and size of buildings, population density, parking requirements, signage placement and the character of development on private property, and property uses.

Body Art, Tattoo, and Body Piercing Regulations

Pennsylvania Professional Licensing

Certain professionals and businesses require a license and state credential to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Lawful Occupancy Sign

Have a Recycling Plan

All commercial properties receiving private or city waste collection must complete the Commercial Solid Waste and Recycling Plan.

Documents You May Need

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Signage

To obtain permission to install a sign on your business, gather the materials listed below and submit a completed permit application in-person at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) Concourse.

New Construction and Additions Permit

To obtain a Building Permit for new construction or an addition, gather the materials listed below and submit a completed permit application in-person at the Municipal Services Building (MSB) Concourse.

New Construction and Additions Permit

Handbill Distribution License

This license is required for any distributor, distribution business, or person, who distributes commercial handbills on sidewalks, in public places, or door-to-door.