Staying with the story
The Springfield News-Sun has reported on possible changes to the city’s zoning codes regarding tattoo parlors since the story first broke last year.
The city of Springfield could soon change its zoning codes for tattoo parlors.
The City Planning Board unanimously recommended Monday to approve amendments to zoning codes removing restrictions from where tattoo parlors can be located.
The amendments will be voted on by city commissioners next month. If approved, tattoo parlors will now be permitted to locate in community commercial districts, similar to other personal service establishments such as barbershops and beauty salons.
The CEDA zoning board also approved the code changes last week.
Currently tattoo parlors can only open in two zoning classifications: Central Business District and Intensive Commercial District. The intensive commercial designation includes language that says tattoo parlors cannot be located within 100 feet of a school, church or residential district.
The city conducted an informal survey of cities in Ohio regarding restrictions on tattoo parlors, according to public documents. Of the 13 cities who responded, 11 didn’t place restrictions on tattoo parlors. Planning and Zoning Administrator Bryan Heck wrote city staff has no evidence to support that tattoo parlors might create negative effects.
City Law Director Jerry Strozdas also wrote in a letter to officials last summer he believed the city’s zoning codes could be held unconstitutional because having a tattoo is “expressive activity” protected by the First Amendment.
Regulation and inspection are performed locally by the Clark County Combined Health District. The health district has had “virtually no problems” with licensed tattoo parlors in the area, according to public documents.
Currently Clark County has five licensed body art establishments:
• Thin Lizzy’s Tattooing, 2210 E. Main St.
• Springfield Ink, 562 East Main St.
• Artistic Delirium Tattoos and Body Piercings, 841 E. Main St.
• Artistic Visions Tattoos, 1530 Mitchell Blvd.
• Natural Look Hair Salon, 2300 East Main St.
The term body art now includes piercings and permanent cosmetics, according to the health district.
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