The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to temporarily halt the issuance of new tattoo applications for 120 day or until a new ordinance is approved.
During an earlier agenda item about a request for conditional use for a tattoo parlor, which was approved 4-1, Commissioner Connie Melear voiced concerns about the location of the business. She said tattoo parlors are part of a regulated service industry and the county has zoning ordinances to specify where these types of businesses can and can’t go.
“No matter where the location, the shop owner has to, per our code, has to get specific permission to have a conditional use in that space,” Melear said.
She stated she doesn’t have a problem with tattoos, but as commissioners they must look at what’s best for the residents who have spoken about not wanting more tattoo shops. Melear said she counted on a map and with this business, there will be eight tattoo shops in a two-mile area.
“I want to talk about where we’re putting this because most of the others are on Washington Road or shopping centers where you can see them, and I feel like if this is a legit good business, why is it pushed to the back of an industrial area?” Melear said. “Why is it back behind a bar? Why is it not in the open where we can all see it? I don’t think any good healthy business that relies on customers to come by would be OK in the back of an industrial, a more industrial area. I would like to see in a safer location out where we can see it on a busier thorough fare.”
Following these concerns, commissioners discussed resolution 23-34 which temporarily halts the issuance of new tattoo applications. Deputy County manager Matt Schlachter said the moratorium started June 6 and will be for either 120 days or until the board votes on a new ordinance. He added he will meet with the commissioners to discuss their ideas and then bring something back to the full board.
The board of commissioners unanimously approved the resolution.
