Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission advances narrow private tattoo‑studio rule for East Granada Boulevard after hour‑long debate
Summary
The commission approved, on first reading, an amendment to the land development code to allow a private, appointment‑only tattoo studio in limited Downtown locations; the vote was 3–2 after commissioners expressed concern that the change could set a downtown precedent.
The Ormond Beach City Commission voted 3–2 on first reading to add a "private tattoo studio" definition and conditional‑use criteria to the land development code, allowing the use in parts of the B‑4 Central Business district under strict limits.
The planning‑board‑recommended amendment creates a new use definition and attaches multiple conditions: no exterior windows, no exterior signage or displays, appointment‑only client service, only one tattoo artist on site, a maximum tattoo area of 160 square feet, and location in a structure of two stories or greater fronting East Granada Boulevard. Planning staff told the commission the change was intended to allow an emerging, appointment‑driven model of tattooing that prioritizes privacy and artistic, one‑on‑one service.
Anthony Conforti, the applicant and a tattoo artist, described his proposal to commissioners and said the private‑studio model is "a one‑on‑one experience," that often serves clients who travel to the city for specific work. "I just don't wanna interrupt the integrity or the visuals there of people coming over this great bridge," Conforti said of his intent to avoid visible signage or windows.
Supporters on the dais said the strict conditions narrow the use and protect downtown character. Commissioner Travis Sargent compared the proposed use to a small office and called the 160‑square‑foot limit "a glorified space," adding that the restrictions made him comfortable voting yes.
Opponents said permitting the use in the B‑4 zoning district risks establishing a precedent that could erode the Main Street corridor's historic and retail character. Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland said, "Not all unique experiences are desirable in certain locations...I don't think they're appropriate in the Main Street corridor." Commissioner Harold Briley said he saw a "slippery slope" risk if uses that are currently limited in downtown are approved.
Planning Director Steven Spreaker told the commission the planning board recommended approval 5–1 and that the applicant's proposal had been narrowed to East Granada fronting properties to limit the geographic reach of the amendment. Spreaker also noted that the city had previously amended the code to allow cosmetic permanent makeup (PMU) and that cosmetic tattooing is already regulated.
The first reading passed by roll call vote: Kristen Deaton, Travis Sargent and Mayor Jason Leslie voted yes; Harold Briley and Lori Tolland voted no. The ordinance returns for a required second reading before it can take effect. If ultimately adopted, the amendment will make the private studio a conditional use; any future tenant would be required to meet the same conditions.
Why this matters: The vote narrows where and how a potentially sensitive commercial activity may operate downtown. Commissioners voiced competing goals — supporting small, specialty businesses while protecting the downtown aesthetic and avoiding land‑use precedent that could broaden the range of activities allowed in the central business district.
Sources: Planning director briefing and applicant testimony at the Ormond Beach City Commission meeting, Aug. 19, 2025.
