The Navasota Planning Commission voted to recommend a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow tattoo studios as permitted uses in the city’s B-1 (General Business) and CBD (Central Business District) zoning districts and add a definition for the use, including a maximum 32-square-foot limit on wall- or pole-mounted signage.

Vice Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, summarized the commission’s January 9 use-inquiry workshop and explained the draft language prepared with legal counsel. “Tattoo studios really shouldn't be treated any differently than any personal appearance uses like hair salons,” he said, explaining the intent to treat the use consistently with other personal-appearance businesses. The vice chairman also described the sign restriction: staff recommended limiting signs to 32 square feet so “you don't end up with, you know, a giant sign somewhere.”

The ordinance language drafted by the city and legal counsel adds a definition for tattoo studios and clarifies the permitted locations (B-1 and CBD). The draft also uses broad wording — including “permanent cosmetic application is licensed” — to ensure that eyebrow and other cosmetic tattooing methods would fall under the same definition, a point the vice chairman said legal counsel included to avoid future ambiguity.

Commission discussion touched on community visibility and past special-use requirements. One commissioner noted a previously approved special use permit for a location tied to James Harris that included extra conditions because of its proximity to residences; that example was cited as a reason staff suggested a smaller maximum sign size for tattoo businesses in the downtown area. Commissioners also asked about whether the city could limit the number of tattoo studios in a district; staff said the city probably could not set a numeric cap but could narrowly zone specific blocks if the commission wished to be more granular and that staff would confirm that legal point.

Public input for the amendment was limited: staff said the woman who raised the inquiry attended the workshop but was not present at the hearing, and staff received one phone inquiry from a downtown business owner; no written opposition or support was received. Planning staff told the commission that whatever the commission voted to recommend would be forwarded to City Council for formal consideration on Feb. 24.

Votes at a glance:
Motion: Recommend approval of the zoning ordinance amendment allowing tattoo studios in B-1 and CBD and adding a definition and sign-size limit.
Mover: Commissioner Deano.
Second: Commissioner Carolyn.
Outcome: Motion carried (ayes, no opposition noted).

The commission’s recommendation now goes to the City Council for formal adoption; staff said Council consideration is scheduled for Feb. 24.