Peachtree City council initiates zoning text amendment on cosmetic tattooing, microblading

Peachtree City — The City Council voted to initiate a zoning text amendment and refer it to the planning commission that will examine whether to allow, define or ban cosmetic tattooing and microblading in city zoning districts.

Council members debated procedure and priority before the vote. Several council members said citizens and business owners may reasonably bring issues to city staff and that staff can present items to council when approved by the city manager; others argued council should direct whether staff expend time researching ordinance changes. Justin Meeker, city attorney, told the council the ordinance language permits staff to place items on the agenda with the city manager’s approval.

Why it matters: businesses are already offering cosmetic tattooing and microblading in Peachtree City, and those operations are not clearly addressed by the city’s current tattoo ordinance. Council’s referral directs the planning commission to evaluate options — including adding definitions, permitting the uses in some zones, or proposing a ban — and return recommendations to council.

Councilwoman Johnson said she supports moving the item forward so business owners have regulatory clarity and an opportunity to come into compliance. Council members who raised procedural concerns said the referral does not approve any change tonight and that the planning process will include public input. On the motion to initiate the amendment, the council voted in favor and the item will go to the planning commission for study and public hearings.

Next steps: planning commission review, public hearings, then final action by council. If the council or staff discovers existing businesses operating in violation of current code, staff said code enforcement will follow up while the amendment proceeds through the review process.