Board gives preliminary support for exploring a temporary tattoo expo permit

City development services staff presented a proposal to establish a temporary tattoo permit to allow a tattoo expo in city venues, and the Board of Health signaled preliminary support for exploring the idea and drafting permit language for review. Development Services Director Matthew Sheehan told the board a tattoo-expo organizer has proposed a three-day convention with 10-by-10 booths and multiple visiting artists. Sheehan said the city would need a temporary-permit category, a permit fee and health-inspection staffing for event days. "If this were to happen, everything would have to be disposable," Sheehan said, describing inspection expectations comparable to regular tattoo-shop inspections. He proposed event organizers compile vendor packets and credentials "just like FolkFest" and said the organizer would cover costs for police, fire and health-inspection details. Board members raised zoning and proximity restrictions that previously blocked a similar event "because the regs have it too close to the schools," and noted that City Council, not the board, sets permit fees. The board asked the law department and the city clerk to review whether a waiver or regulatory change would be needed for venues that sit within restricted distances from schools or child-care facilities. Members asked for a proposed temporary-permit application and fee schedule when staff return. Sheehan said he would work with the city solicitor (John McKenna) and Director Golden on draft regulations and aim to present details to the board; he estimated processing time could be one to three months before an event to review dozens of vendor applications. This was discussion and a request for staff to develop a draft policy; the board did not adopt a new permit at the meeting and noted that the City Council would make the final decision on fees if the board votes to recommend a permit.