Section 641.22.12. Mobile tattoo unit permit requirements.

Effective September 7, 2016, no new mobile tattoo units will be permitted. (Note: Mobile tattoo units granted a permit prior to September 7, 2016, may continue to operate with a current permit provided they remain compliant with the rules of this chapter.)

         22.12(1) Mobile tattoo unit permits shall be in compliance with all of the following requirements:

            a.               No mobile tattoo unit shall be operated in the state without having a permit to operate issued by the department.

            b.               All tattoo artists working in a mobile tattoo unit must have a permit and must comply with the permit requirements of these rules. Artist permits shall be posted in a conspicuous location in the mobile tattoo unit.

            c.               Mobile tattoo unit permits shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the mobile tattoo unit.

            d.               Mobile tattoo unit permits are nontransferable.

            e.               Change in address location. Within 30 days of a change of address of where the mobile tattoo unit is housed, the owner shall submit a new application and a fee for a new permit.

            f.                Inspections will be conducted by the local jurisdiction in which the mobile tattoo unit is housed. Out-of-state mobile tattoo units must have a current Iowa mobile tattoo unit permit and will be required to have an annual inspection.

         22.12(2) Mobile tattoo units and tattoo artists working from a mobile tattoo unit shall also comply with all of the following requirements.

            a.               Mobile tattoo units are permitted for use only at temporary events lasting 14 calendar days or less. Permits must be obtained at least 14 days prior to the event, and no tattoo procedures shall be performed before a permit is issued. Promotional documentation of the event must be included with the application. Permit holders are responsible for compliance with all other local regulations including but not limited to zoning and business license requirements.

            b.               The mobile tattoo unit shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times. Doors shall be tight-fitting. Openable windows shall have tight-fitting screens.

            c.               Mobile tattoo units must meet the sterilization requirements in accordance with 641—22.5(135).

            d.               Mobile tattoo units shall be used only for the purpose of performing tattoo procedures. No habitation or food preparation is permitted inside the vehicle unless the tattoo work station is separated from culinary or domicile areas by an impervious floor-to-ceiling barrier.

            e.               Mobile tattoo units shall be equipped with a hand sink for use of the tattoo artist for hand washing and preparing the client for the tattoo procedures.

             (1)             The hand sink shall be supplied with hot and cold running water under pressure to a mixing-type faucet, as well as liquid soap and single-use towels in dispensers or hand dryer.

             (2)             An adequate supply of potable water shall be maintained for the mobile tattoo unit at all times during operation.

             (3)             The source of the water and storage of the tank(s) shall also be identified.

            f.                All liquid wastes shall be stored in an adequate storage tank with a capacity at least 15 percent greater than the capacity of the on-board potable water supply. Liquid wastes shall be disposed of at a publicly owned treatment works site approved by the department of natural resources (IDNR).

            g.               Restroom facilities must be available at the temporary event or within the mobile tattoo unit.

             (1)             A hand sink must be available within a reasonably acceptable distance from the restroom.

             (2)             The hand sink shall be supplied with hot and cold running water under pressure to a mixing-type faucet, as well as liquid soap and single-use towels or hand dryer.

             (3)             Restrooms must be adequately ventilated.

            h.               All tattoo artists working in a mobile tattoo unit must have a permit and must comply with the permit requirements of these rules. Permits shall be posted in a conspicuous location in the mobile tattoo unit.

            i.                No animals, except service animals, shall be allowed in the mobile tattoo unit at any time.

[ARC 7982B, IAB 7/29/09, effective 1/1/10; ARC 2656C, IAB 8/3/16, effective 9/7/16]