What permits do you need to open a salon or barber in Salt Lake County?

Body Art Facility Permit

A salon offering body art, piercing, or tattoo services anywhere in Salt Lake County needs this permit from SLCoHD: $275.00 plus $20.00 per station for plan review and the initial permit, $255.00 plus $20.00 per station to renew, $155.00 for a follow-up, or $125.00 plus $20.00 per station for a temporary permit, per the fee schedule published September 1, 2026. Health Regulation #19 was adopted by the Salt Lake County Board of Health on September 2, 1982, and last revised October 3, 2019, under Utah Code §26A-1-114. Without a body-art component, a salon offering only hair, nail, or skin services needs no permit under this program. SLCoHD's coverage is county-wide — all 23 incorporated municipalities plus the unincorporated area.

Cosmetology Facility Permit

A salon offering cosmetology services anywhere in Salt Lake County needs this permit from SLCoHD: $305.00 plus $20.00 per station for plan review and the initial permit, $220.00 plus $20.00 per station to renew, $135.00 for a follow-up, or $110.00 plus $20.00 per station for a temporary permit, per the fee schedule published September 1, 2026. Health Regulation #20 was adopted by the Salt Lake County Board of Health on September 2, 1982, and last revised October 3, 2019, under Utah Code §26A-1-114. SLCoHD's coverage is county-wide — all 23 incorporated municipalities plus the unincorporated area.

Tanning Facility Permit

A salon offering tanning services anywhere in Salt Lake County needs this permit from SLCoHD: $190.00 plus $20.00 per station for plan review and the initial permit, $150.00 plus $20.00 per station to renew, $135.00 for a follow-up, and $40.00 for an operator certificate, per the fee schedule published September 1, 2026, under Health Regulation #25. Without tanning equipment, a salon needs no permit under this program. SLCoHD's coverage is county-wide — all 23 incorporated municipalities plus the unincorporated area.

Massage Therapy Facility Permit

A salon or fitness studio offering massage therapy services anywhere in Salt Lake County needs this permit from SLCoHD: $180.00 for plan review and the initial permit, $30.00 to renew, $155.00 for a contracting business's initial permit, $135.00 for a follow-up, or $110.00 for a temporary permit, per the fee schedule published September 1, 2026, under Health Regulation #18. Without a massage-therapy service, a salon or fitness studio needs no permit under this program. SLCoHD's coverage is county-wide — all 23 incorporated municipalities plus the unincorporated area.

Animal Services Commercial Permit — Allows Over 30 Animals

A groomer, animal daycare or kennel, stable, or pet shop covering over 30 animals pays $500.00 for this commercial permit from Salt Lake County Animal Services, per the department's own live payment page linked directly from its Permits page — the higher of the two tiers listed here, next to the $300.00 permit for up to 30 animals. This permit reaches the same third, distinct footprint as the under-30 tier: the six MSD municipalities (Brighton, Copperton, Emigration Canyon, Kearns, Magna, White City) plus Bluffdale, Holladay, Midvale, Millcreek, Murray, and Salt Lake City only; a business in Sandy, West Jordan, Draper, Taylorsville, West Valley City, or any of the county's other municipalities outside this list uses its own city's animal control instead. The source names this tier only as 'Allows Over 30,' without further defining what the number 30 counts.

Salon or Barbershop Establishment License — State Fee Schedule Position (Utah)

There is no state establishment fee listed for a salon or barbershop. The Division of Professional Licensing's own current fee schedule lists individual licenses under the barbering and cosmetology sections but no salon, shop or establishment line, while the same document does list a $250 establishment fee for a funeral service establishment and a $145 fee for a registered massage establishment; a $250 figure quoted elsewhere for a Utah salon matches that funeral service line. Every individual working in a salon must hold their own license — barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician or hair designer, each $60 to apply and $52 to renew on a two-year cycle expiring 30 September of odd-numbered years — and operating with an unlicensed practitioner is a violation attributed to the location.

Shared with other businesses in Salt Lake County

• Animal Services Commercial Permit — Allows Up to 30 Animals — Salt Lake County Animal Services, $300 flat, per commercial permit covering up to 30 animals, not stated in the published fee schedule. Also required for veterinary clinics and retail stores; what it involves is set out on the retail stores page.