Tattoo Facilities

The construction requirements for tattoo facilities in the city of Minnetonka are listed below. To obtain a license for a new facility, call Val Northway, license coordinator, at 952.939.8274.

Construction Requirements

A tattoo on a man's arm.A plan to-scale indicating the complete layout of the facility, including floors, walls, ceiling surfaces, and equipment specifications must be provided to the Environmental Health Division and approved before a license can be issued. Allow at least 10 working days from the time the plans and necessary information is submitted for the plan review process. Structural work should not be initiated before the plans are approved. Call the Minnetonka Environmental Health Division at 952.939.8200 if you have any questions regarding requirements and for an inspection before opening.

The following items are general health and safety requirements for operating a tattoo operation. Please call the Environmental Health Division if you have specific questions.

Tattoo Rooms
  1. Floors must be of smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleanable materials with a coved base. Approved materials include ceramic tile, quarry tile, or commercial grade vinyl tile. Carpeting is not an approved surface.
  2. Walls must be smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable such as ceramic tile, fiberglass panels, or washable paint.
  3. The ceilings must be capable of being cleaned.
  4. Lighting must be adequate.
Hand Sinks
  1. A separate hand wash sink must be available in the tattoo room.
  2. Mounted soap and paper towel dispensers must be installed.
  3. The walls behind and immediately adjacent to the hand sink must be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, such as ceramic tile or fiberglass reinforced panels.
  4. Floors beneath hand sinks must be capable of being kept clean.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Equipment
  1. Approved, separate washing facilities are required for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and equipment.
  2. Approved sanitizing equipment (such as an autoclave) is required for cleaning and sanitizing tattoo instruments.
  3. Equipment used for sanitizing or similar operations must be constructed of smooth, stainless steel and designed to be easily cleanable.
Janitor’s Facilities
  1. A janitor sink must be available at all times for cleaning and include a faucet with a built-in vacuum breaker.
  2. Floors must be of approved materials such as ceramic tile or quarry tile with a coved base.
  3. Walls must be of approved materials such as ceramic tile or reinforced fiberglass panels to a minimum height of 5 feet.
  4. Walls must be of approved materials such as ceramic tile or reinforced fiberglass panels to a minimum height of 5 feet.
  5. Mechanical ventilation must be installed in janitors’ room.
  6. Mop holders and chemical storage racks must be provided.
Toilet Rooms, Shower Rooms and Laundry Rooms
  1. Floors must be approved materials such as ceramic tile, quarry tile, or terrazzo with a coved base.
  2. Walls must be approved materials from the floor to a height of five (5) feet, such as ceramic tile, fiberglass reinforced panels, or similar.
  3. Ceilings must be cleanable, such as washable paint or cleanable tiles.
  4. Mechanical ventilation must be provided.
  5. Toilet rooms must have self-closure devices.

Note: Linens and other cloths may be washed in a commercial laundromat instead of on-site laundering.

Storage and Locker Facilities
  1. Adequate shelving must be available to store linens, cloths, and other supplies at least six (6) inches off the floor.
  2. Shelving must be cleanable and nonabsorbent such as stainless steel, plastic, laminated wood on all sides, or similar.
  3. Chemicals must be stored separate and below other supplies.
  4. Lockers or other secured facilities to store personal and customer belongings must be available.
Furniture
  1. Tattoo furniture must be smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable, such as vinyl or plastic coated items.

Note: Tattoo licenses must be approved by the community development director. Please call for information regarding city council meeting dates.