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Planning Commission reviews InkWizard tattoo shop plan amid neighborhood concern in Lottomill area
Summary
Staff presented a minor site plan for InkWizard (owner John W. Hudson III) to reuse an existing house with a 130‑square‑foot addition for a tattoo business. The commission heard neighborhood concerns about compatibility, septic and buffering and asked staff to continue review; no formal vote was taken.
On July 28, 2008, St. Mary's County planning staff presented a minor site plan review for a proposed InkWizard tattoo business at the Lottomill/By The Mill Road area. The applicant, identified in the agenda as John W. Hudson III, told the commission he plans to reuse the existing house and add a roughly 130‑square‑foot rear addition, and that he will install a new septic system and fencing as required.
David Berry said the project converted an existing residential structure to a commercial use in the R‑MX (residential mixed‑use) zone and that staff chose to bring the plan to the commission because of significant public interest from By The Mill Road residents. "As a change of use from residential to commercial... staff is bringing this to your attention because of the public interest in the project, and would encourage your comment," Berry said.
Staff noted that a Type B buffer with a privacy fence is required along property lines that abut residential property; the plan presented showed a buffer along the side and rear property lines. The applicant said he intends to install a wooden fence and substantial plantings along the rear property line to screen the use from nearby residences, and he described operating hours of 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Neighbors spoke at the meeting. William Clemens, who said he lives adjacent to the site at 232303 Notch Road, expressed concern about the business type and emphasized the need for the applicant to meet health‑department and septic requirements: "I hope the county makes him stick to his health rules, proper sewage, proper water," Clemens told the commission. Commissioner Hagen asked about parking; the applicant said three dedicated parking spaces were proposed and he may need to locate additional parking on the grass.
No formal motion was made; the commission did not take a vote and left detailed review and code enforcement matters to staff. Berry and commissioners urged the applicant to work with neighbors on buffering and to complete required septic, health and site‑plan details prior to any permit approvals.
