2017-04 Conditional Use Permit Tattoo or Body Piercing Parlor 528 and 530 N Water Street

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Excerpts from Plan Commission Meeting of January 5, 2017: Cal. No. 17-01 Petition of SPEAKEASY PROPERTIES, LLC, for a Conditional Use Permit in the B-4 Central Business District to operate a tattoo/body piercing parlor located at 528/530 NORTH WATER STREET. Ms. Suzy Stickle was sworn in by Mrs. Janet Poland. Ms. Stickle presented the recommendation of staff: 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. The subject petition requests a conditional use permit to allow for a tattoo/body piercing parlor in the B-4 Central Business District. Tried & True is an established up-scale tattoo studio in Decatur currently located on South Taylorville Road. The proposed parlor on North Water Street will have one artist and is to be operated from the hours of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with artwork being carried out by appointment only. Speakeasy Properties, LLC is looking to reuse the former Rupert's and convert to a tattoo/body piercing parlor as well as a record store and coffee shop. Staff supports the proposed Conditional Use Permit and reuse of this downtown building. Staff 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. Staff proposes 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. 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. The facility 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. Section XXIX. of the City of Decatur Zoning Ordinance requires the Plan Commission to hold a public hearing on a rezoning request, and then forward its report and recommendation to the City Council for final approval. A motion to forward Calendar Number 17-01 to the City Council with a recommendation for approval is suggested.