Tattoo/Massage and Pool

The City of Independence regulates body piercing, tattoo artists, tattoo parlors, and massage therapists.    All tattoo parlors must be inspected and approved by both the State of Missouri and the City of Independence prior to opening.  The City Ordinance that applies to body piercing, tattoo artists, and tattoo parlors is Chapter 11, Article 16. Tattoo and/or Body Piercing Regulations. The City Ordinance that applies to massage therapy is Chapter 11, Article 14. Bath Houses and Massage Establishments.

Body piercing, tattoo artists, and massage therapists are required to obtain a permit from the City of Independence.

The Annual permit fee is $25 for each body piercing artist and/or tattoo artist. The initial permit application fee for a new tattoo parlor is $275 with an annual renewal permit renewal fee of $200 .

Tattoo artists  must present their State license and proof from a physician that they do not have TB, HIV, HEP B and HEP C to Health Inspections.  If an artist is both tattooing and performing body piercing, they will need to be licensed by the State of Missouri and the City of Independence to do both.

Tattoo parlor inspections are performed twice annually and on a complaint basis.  

Massage therapists must present their State license, photo ID and proof from a physician that they do not have TB to Health Inspections.  Massage therapist initial permit application fee is $25 .

Bathhouse/Massage parlors initial permit application fee is $150.00.

Massage parlor inspections are performed prior to the facility opening and on a complaint basis.

To learn more about the State of Missouri's tattoo and massage therapy regulations, visit State of Missouri Tattoo and State of Missouri Massage Therapy.

The City of Independence regulates commercial swimming pools/spas inside the city limits of Independence.  Commercial pool operators must comply with ordinances of the City of Independence designed to protect public health.  The City ordinance that applies to swimming pools is Chapter 11, Article 13. Swimming Pools

Regulated commercial pool and spa facilities are required to obtain a permit from the City of Independence.  The annual permit application fee is $150. Commercial pools and spas are inspected once annually and on a complaint basis.