Elmhurst's 'Vague Prejudice' Against Tattoo Shops?

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst zoning official on Monday suggested some type of prejudice may exist locally against tattoo shops.

Nearly a year ago, members of a City Council committee indicated they wanted to keep such businesses restricted to certain areas. Those areas would not include downtown.

At Monday's Zoning and Planning Commission, Chairwoman Susan Rose said she has seen no evidence about why tattoo shops, which she called "body modification" businesses, should be kept out of downtown.

The commission is working on a major overhaul of the city's zoning code, the first since 1992. Tattoo shops are not mentioned in the current code.

Rose said other service businesses, such as hair salons, are in downtown. And she noted the plan for medical offices in that area.

Rose said a "vague prejudice" may exist against tattoo businesses.

"No one has ever told me why (tattoo shops) wouldn't be allowed," Rose said. "We are supposed to look at facts, not supposition."

She recommended that the commission advise the council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee to allow tattoo businesses in all commercial zoning districts as a conditional use, meaning the city must approve it.

Other commissioners expressed similar views.

Last spring, the City Council heard from residents who favored some form of tattoo shops in town.