Council approves SUP and PD amendment for tattoo/body‑piercing studio at Firewheel Town Center

The Garland City Council on Oct. 21 approved an amendment to Plan Development District 21‑19 to permit tattooing and body‑piercing establishments by special use permit, and granted a five‑year SUP to Baroness Tattoo for a suite at 315 Coneflower Drive in Firewall/Firewheel Town Center.

Nabi Leonard, director of planning and development, told the council the PD does not currently allow tattoo/body‑piercing establishments even by SUP; the request was twofold: amend the PD to allow the use with an SUP and then approve the SUP itself. Leonard said the site is within a regional center under the comprehensive plan and that multifamily housing nearby were more than 500 feet from the proposed suite, satisfying the GDC distance condition for such uses.

Applicant Catherine Myers, who said she holds art degrees and experience operating studios, described the business as an art‑focused, boutique tattoo studio under the trade name Baroness Tattoo. The applicant said the studio intends a high‑end interior and a curated artist lineup, estimating space for four treatment rooms (two larger rooms that could hold two artists and two smaller rooms) and up to six to eight artists as the studio grows. Myers said the studio would operate roughly 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., likely closed Sundays, and that Simon Property Group as property owner supported the lease.

Staff and plan commission reported three letters in favor and one opposed from within the notification area; plan commission recommended approval and the applicant agreed to a five‑year SUP term. Council Member Bass moved to approve the PD amendment and the five‑year SUP; Mayor Pro Tem Luck seconded the motion and council voted unanimously to approve.

Council discussion addressed standard concerns such as hours, staffing and business presentation. Staff clarified that the SUP authorizes the use on the site and that the GDC prohibits certain proximities (for example, within 500 feet of schools or churches), but that those conditions were met for this location. The applicant said the studio will not have walk‑in repair or mechanical services and emphasized hygiene, licensing and professional standards.

The council vote authorizes the city to process the SUP and the PD amendment language; the applicant will move forward with interior fit‑out consistent with building and health licensing requirements.