Planning commission backs code changes to allow body‑art services in downtown, lowers cap and requires state license

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — The Blue Springs Planning Commission on Monday voted to recommend changes to the city’s Unified Development Code that would permit body‑art services, including microblading and tattooing, in downtown commercial and mixed‑use buildings, lower the city’s per‑capita cap on such establishments and require proof of Missouri state licensing before a city business license is issued.

Staff said the package of changes — identified in the record as UDC T04259553 — responds to direction the City Council gave staff at a March 31 work session to increase the number of allowed providers and to add an annual proof‑of‑license requirement. "Staff reviewed the proposed UDC text amendments ... and we recommend approval," said staff member Mike, who presented the amendment to the commission.

If the council adopts the changes, the downtown amendment would add "body art services" as a permitted conditional use in commercial and mixed‑use building types in downtown zoning districts. The commission also voted to change the population ratio that limits the number of body‑art establishments from one per 15,000 residents to one per 5,000 residents, and to require evidence of an active Missouri state license before a city business license may be issued.

The commission approved allowing body‑art services in downtown by unanimous roll call. Commissioners then approved the ratio change (6 yes, 2 no) and approved the licensing requirement unanimously. Chairperson Harrison Henning announced the package and staff said the planning commission’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration on May 19, 2025.

During discussion commissioners raised questions about whether existing businesses would be required to produce state licensing immediately or only at the time of their next city business‑license renewal. Staff said the amendment as written would make state licensing a condition for issuance of a city business license going forward and that staff would provide a definitive recommendation to council on how the rule would be applied to existing establishments. "The city would not issue a business license unless the provider showed evidence of the state license," Mike said.

Commissioners debated numeric caps and alternatives. Staff explained that the cap is measured against the decennial census by default; commissioners suggested using the city’s annual population estimate instead or eliminating the cap entirely. Staff also noted that some older, pre‑existing body‑art businesses are legal nonconforming under the current rules and might remain unless they sought expansion or other permitting actions.

The amendment package also includes a 500‑foot separation requirement from residential uses, churches, schools and parks unless the applicant requests an alternative development standard. Staff said applicants for a conditional use permit would either demonstrate compliance with the separation and cap rules or request a waiver as part of the permit review.

The Planning Commission’s votes were procedural recommendations; City Council has the final authority to adopt code changes. The City Council will consider the planning commission’s recommendation at its May 19 meeting.