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Council passes first reading to create 'body art establishments' chapter, limits artistic tattoo studios to B3 zones
Summary
The council on first reading replaced the borough's permanent cosmetics code with a new body art chapter, added zoning limits and operating rules for artistic tattoo studios (class 8), and set hours not to exceed 11 p.m.; the measure was passed for first reading and will be advertised for a second reading.
Councilman Coakley presented an ordinance on April 14 that would repeal Chapter 69 (permanent cosmetics establishments) and replace it with a new Chapter 13 establishing rules for body art establishments, and would amend Chapter 131 (zoning) to permit body art uses in specified districts.
The ordinance makes three principal changes: it adds a new regulatory chapter for body art establishments, limits class 8 artistic tattoo studios to properties in the borough’s B3 business zoning district, and sets operating hours not to exceed 11 p.m. It also includes a capacity rule limiting body art establishments to no more than one client per licensed artist at a time.
Councilman Coakley said the changes “effectively [amend] our current tattoo studio, cosmetic art establishments and allowing for what we, know to be called a class 8 tattoo studio… and that is artistic tattoos.” He asked that the measure be moved forward on first reading so it could be advertised according to law. Council members thanked Coakley for addressing planning‑board concerns and for working with the borough attorney.
Councilman Erico clarified for the record that the ordinance is being advanced as a policy change and should not be characterized as spot zoning for a single business. “Even though this ordinance is going to, assuming it's passed, benefit one particular business, we're doing this as a matter of policy,” he said, adding that the Zoning Board remains the forum for individual nonconforming use relief.
The council voted to pass the ordinance on first reading and directed it be advertised for second reading and public comment. The text read into the record states: “An ordinance to repeal Chapter 69 of the Borough Code entitled Permanent Cosmetics Establishments and replace it with a new Chapter 13 entitled Body Art Establishments and to amend Chapter 131 entitled Zoning to permit body art establishments in certain areas under certain circumstances.”
Next steps: The ordinance will be advertised and brought back for a second reading and a formal public hearing before a final vote.
What was not specified: The ordinance text read at first reading did not specify the number of affected businesses, any licensing fee changes, or a definitive effective date beyond second reading and adoption.
