During a recent council meeting, a proposed amendment to the municipal code was discussed, aimed at allowing tattoo establishments in the PB (Professional Business) zoning district of Leighton City. The proposal was initiated by a local property owner and has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for the community.

Chad Wilkinson, a city representative, outlined the history of the property in question, which has faced challenges due to its creation through an unauthorized subdivision process approximately 30 years ago. The city had previously identified that the property did not meet current standards, necessitating a resolution before further development could proceed. One potential solution discussed was to rezone the property to PB, which would allow for limited commercial uses.

Wilkinson emphasized that the PB zone is typically surrounded by residential areas and is intended for neighborhood-serving businesses, such as small medical offices or accounting services. The proposed amendment to include tattoo establishments, however, raises questions about compatibility with the existing zoning framework. Staff recommendations indicated that there is already sufficient land zoned for tattoo uses elsewhere in the city, suggesting that expanding the PB zone to accommodate this request may not be necessary.

The council was urged to consider the operational characteristics of tattoo establishments and their fit within the PB zone, which has a significantly restricted list of allowed uses compared to broader commercial zones. The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning land use decisions with the city’s general plan and ensuring that any changes serve the best interests of the community.

As the council prepares to open the public hearing on this matter, the outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for future zoning amendments and the types of businesses permitted in residentially adjacent areas.