City Council Amends Proposal to Allow Tattoo Parlors

St. Charles City Council on Tuesday night amended a bill that would allow tattoo establishments in city limits, but added the requirement that the businesses must be at least 300 feet from a residential district.

Several residents spoke out against tattoo establishments during the Feb. 3 city council meeting. Bill sponsor Councilman Dave Beckering, Ward 7, said he amended the bill to reflect some of those concerns.

“For council members and folks watching, we did listen to what was brought up publically,” said Beckering. “We weren’t trying to sneak anything onto Main Street. We’ve amended the bill to show they cannot go on Main Street.”

In addition, the bill was amended to require that tattoo establishments be at least 300 feet from any property in a residential zoning district.

Despite the changes, community residents said they weren’t happy with the idea of having tattoo parlors that close to homes.

City resident Lynn Richardson said she bought a home in the extended historic district because it is a walkable community and has an historic atmosphere.

“If I had known at the time that it was a possibility that tattoo parlors would go within a 300-foot distance of my home, I would not have purchased where I am at,” she said.

Councilman Richard Veit, Ward 1, said that business owners who want to bring a tattoo establishment to the city would have to obtain a conditional use permit first, which needs approval from the council.  

“If they do not present that they have the right location, if they won’t accept some conditions we place on them, they will not be approved,” he said.

 Veit said he didn’t want to see the tattoo parlors limited to C3 business districts because there aren’t many of those districts in the city. 

“I think we should allow all legal businesses the right to live and locate in our city,” he said.

The council is expected to vote on the bill during the March 1 council meeting.