Charleston is one step closer to allowing tattoo shops to open downtown.
The Municipal Planning Commission passed an amendment to the zoning ordinance Wednesday that would allow tattoo studios to open in the central business district (downtown) as a conditional use permit.
The approved measure passed with just one change: that tattoo shops not heavily tint their windows and glass doors in order to keep the practice transparent.
Under the amendment, multiple tattoo shops or body piercing studios wouldn't be allowed within 1,000 feet of one another and wouldn't be permitted to "perform the acts of tattooing and piercing" within view of the street. A shop would have to be licensed by the state and inspected by the health department before it could get a city business license or certificate of occupancy. The amendment also states shops could only operate between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Nick Quinn, owner of Black Eagle Tattoo in Kanawha City, said to the commission on Wednesday that his request was "about moving Charleston forward at a time when it desperately needs it."
"I think that there would be great benefits to the city, especially the downtown area," Quinn said. "My average client drives 45 miles one-way to get tattooed by me. ... They come to Charleston and want to do things in Charleston."
Quinn said he is interested in moving into a space that's on Capitol Street. He called downtown "the heart of the city" and said restaurants would benefit from the added foot traffic that could result from a tattoo shop opening, particularly on evenings and weekends.
When asked about the standards of cleanliness at his studio in particular, Quinn said the health department uses his shop to train sanitarians who inspect tattoo shops in the area. He also advocated for the city to allow only licensed tattoo studios to open, which is outlined in the bill.
"We're not asking you to open the floodgates. We've put in some conditions that would have to be met in this text amendment that would require someone to buckle down and know what they're doing before they could become a part of downtown," Quinn said.
City Planning Director Dan Vriendt said his office took a "generic stance" on the proposal.
"Fifteen years ago, I'm not sure downtown was ready for a tattoo studio. But I think this is more of a generational issue. It has become more accepted," Vriendt said.
Vriendt said it is consistent with Charleston's comprehensive plan to have destination businesses in the downtown area.
The zoning amendment will move on to City Council's Planning Committee for consideration before it comes before Council for a full vote.
Reach Rachel Molenda at rachel.molenda@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5102 or follow @rachelmolenda on Twitter.