Institutional Programs

Tattoo Parlors Permit

For more information call 757-683-2712.

Tourist Establishments

Tourist Establishments include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, summer camps and campgrounds. These facilities are inspected to determine compliance with health and safety laws, governed by Commonwealth of Virginia Rules and Regulations, and to initiate enforcement procedures when necessary.

Permits are issued annually for the lodging facility. Additional permits may be issued for on site restaurants, continental breakfasts, swimming pools, and spas. Call 757-683-2712 for further information.

Barber & Beauty Shops

Barber and Beauty culture operations, nail, tanning, and electrolysis operations are covered under Chapter 7 of the Norfolk City Code. The art of enhancing human hair or skin via such practices as cosmetology, which includes braiding, electrolysis or tanning, define a beauty culture operation. Anyone interested in opening a cosmetology business shall first submit a floor plan to the Bureau of Environmental Health for his or her review. Once approved construction may begin after obtaining appropriate city building permits. Salons are inspected twice a year, to determine that licensed staff are performing work, that the shop has its state license to operate, and that sanitary and safe operating practices are in place.

Chapter 7 of the Norfolk City Code governs the barbering and beauty ordinance. The State Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's Board for Barbers and Cosmetology license cosmetologists, barbers, apprentices, and nail technicians. Call 757-683-2712 for more information.

Health Parlors

Health parlors are establishments that provide services such as exercise, massage, steam baths, hot tub or spas or swimming pools. Submission of a floor plan is required. Once operating, these facilities are inspected for health and safety issues. Spas and swimming pools are separately permitted and are inspected frequently to assure that they are operated in a safe and sanitary condition. The fee for this service is $30.

View the Public Swimming Pools and Spa Application. For more information, view Chapter 21 of the Norfolk City Code governs health parlors. For more information call 757-683-2712.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapists have a minimum of 500 hours of training in massage therapy from a school accredited by the Board of Education, Division of Proprietary Schools. Massage therapists may also obtain certification from Department of Health Professionals, Board of Nursing. Upon review of documentation, massage therapists are issued a certificate from the director of public health.

View Chapter 21 of the Norfolk City Code governs health parlors. For more information call 757-683-2712.