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Elkhart BZA approves expanded tattoo artists at Main Event Tattoo and Hair
Summary
The Elkhart Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance allowing additional tattoo artists at Main Event Tattoo and Hair in the Central Business District, overturning the district's current prohibition on tattoo parlors and adopting staff findings that the limited indoor, appointment-only operation meets public-safety and zoning standards.
The Elkhart Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve application 24 UVO 3 on March 14, 2024, allowing additional tattoo artists to operate at Main Event Tattoo and Hair in downtown Elkhart.
The variance permits expansion beyond an earlier, 2023 approval that allowed a single tattoo artist at the salon. City staff recommended approval, saying the operation would be appointment-only, entirely indoors, subject to state health rules and building permits, and unlikely to adversely affect adjacent property values.
Petitioner information and testimony: Catherine Beck, speaking on behalf of the business, said the salon is losing money with a single artist and that adding artists would keep the building open and contribute customers to nearby businesses. "We would like to also maybe change a little bit with the tables and chairs to provide art classes in the future," Beck said. Tiffany Bowman, a tattoo artist authorized to work at Main Event Tattoo, testified about professional standards at the studio and said surveillance and other practices are in place. "We maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism," Bowman said.
Staff report and board discussion: Planning staff told the board the operation must meet Indiana Department of Health regulations governing tattooing and bloodborne pathogens and that any interior renovations must meet building codes. The staff noted the department had received no complaints about the tattoo use since the initial 2023 approval. Staff also confirmed parking (11 spaces behind the property plus curbside spaces on Main Street) and recommended approval based on findings that the use would not injure public health or adjacent property values and that the comprehensive plan supports mixed uses in the area.
Vote and outcome: A motion to approve 24 UVO 3 "and adopt the petitioner's documents and presentation together with the staff's finding of fact" carried on roll call. The board recorded votes of Yes from Davis, Roger Rakoff, Weichman and Mulvaney; the petition was approved.
What happens next: The tattoo operation must comply with applicable state health regulations and secure any required building permits for renovations. The board record notes that tattoo businesses remain a non-permitted use in the Central Business District; similar businesses would need to apply for relief before the board.
Ending: The board moved on to subsequent agenda items after approving the variance. The approval expands an existing, board-authorized tattoo use at the Main Event site but does not change the ordinance text that currently lists tattoo parlors as not permitted in the CBD.
