The Batavia Committee of the Whole on July 1 received a recommendation from the Plan Commission to approve a conditional use permit for a tattoo parlor at 127 State Street.

The permit application is from Alexis Pitts of AA Inks, doing business as Obsidian Inc. Plan Commission staff said the commission held a public hearing on June 25 and voted 5-0 with two vacancies to recommend approval; no members of the public spoke against the proposal at the hearing.

Alexis Pitts told the committee she apprenticed at the prior shop at the same address (Classic Tattoos), would begin operations as Obsidian Inc. once she obtains a health department license, and hopes to open in August or September. Pitts said she plans interior renovations (flooring, bathroom, painting), will start with two artists in a space that can accommodate up to six, and may hire a piercer after about a year because piercers require separate training and equipment. She said she intends to participate in community events such as the farmers market and to hold an annual fundraiser for suicide prevention services.

Aldermen said past tattoo businesses in Batavia had not caused problems and expressed support; one committee member asked about piercing services and Pitts clarified she will hire a piercer later. The committee moved to recommend Ordinance 2025-537 (conditional use permit for a tattoo parlor at 127 State Street) to the full council; the motion carried. The ordinance will be placed on the City Council agenda for final action.

Why this matters: a conditional use permit allows a business that is otherwise allowed in the zoning district only with special conditions; the council will make the final decision on whether the business can operate subject to any conditions attached to the permit.

The committee invited the applicant to attend the council meeting where the ordinance will be considered.