BACKGROUND: The subject site, located at 528 and 530 North Water Street, contains approximately 4,964 square feet and is the former location of Rupert’s Sport Shop. The subject site is zoned B-4 Central Business District, a district within where a Conditional Use Permit is required to operate a tattoo parlor. The petitioner proposes to reuse the space and convert it into a tattoo parlor as well as a record store and coffee shop. The parlor would have one artist and operate from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with artwork being carried out by appointment only. The city would propose to allow for future expansion and flexibility with operating hours allowed from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM so that other artist(s) could be hired if the owner so desired or if they wished to adjust their current proposed schedule.
The Decatur Plan Commission voted unanimously in support of the petition request. The existing Tried & True tattoo parlor is currently located at 1624 S. Taylorville Road and is an established up-scale tattoo studio providing tattoo work and also has vinyl record sales.
A conditional use permit is required to allow for this type of use in the B-4 Central Business District with the permit allowing for both a tattoo and body piercing parlor. Staff supports the proposed Conditional Use Permit and reuse of this downtown building and believes the proposed use of a tattoo/body piercing parlor on this particular site is compatible with the B-4 zoning as well as the adjacent commercial and office uses.
According to Section XXII.A.3. there are three standards which must be met in order to grant a conditional use permit. The first standard requires that the use be “necessary for the public convenience at the location.” The proposed use is generally compatible with the area along North Water Street and the parlor will provide a service which can be utilized by residents. The proposed use also meets the second standard as it is located and designed to be operated in a manner in which the public health, safety and welfare will be protected. The hours of operation allowed will be between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Last, the facility should not cause injury to the value of other properties in the area as stated by the third standard. This is an established studio to be located in a mixed use area. The Conditional Use Permit has been reviewed by the City’s Technical Review Committee. Planning, Engineering, and Fire have all approved the proposed business location.