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Planning commission recommends approval of UDO text amendment to expand locations for tattoo and piercing businesses
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of UDOTA FY26-01, a UDO text amendment that removes a 500-foot buffer from residential zones, adds tattoo/piercing as a distinct use in more commercial districts and limits hours of operation to 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
The Fredericksburg Planning Commission on Oct. 22 voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendment (UDOTA FY26-01) that updates where tattoo and piercing establishments may locate and sets hours of operation.
Planning staff said City Council initiated the amendment Sept. 9 after two council work sessions. The proposed change would add tattoo and piercing establishments to additional commercial districts, remove the special-use-permit requirement in the Creative Maker District and delete a 500-foot buffer that previously prohibited such businesses within 500 feet of a residential district. Staff also proposed an hours-of-operation limit of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Planner Macon told the commission that the 500-foot buffer effectively limited locations: out of six existing tattoo/piercing businesses in the city, only one was allowed under the then-current code; the others were legal nonconforming. The amendment would make most existing businesses conforming while adding a citywide hours restriction.
During the public hearing Kelly Drake, who identified herself as chair of the Arts Commission and co-owner of Fredericksburg Tattoo Works, described licensing and safety standards that apply to tattoo shops and individual artists, saying shops and artists must carry licenses and maintain certifications such as CPR and bloodborne-pathogen training.
Commission discussion addressed compatibility with nearby residential uses and enforcement tools including existing city noise ordinances; staff said accessory activities and events would be regulated as accessory uses and that if a business’s hours exceed the new 9 a.m.–9 p.m. standard, it would have to adjust to comply. The commission then moved to recommend approval; the roll call recorded aye votes from Commissioners Joseph Winter, Dutten Caswell, Carrie Whitehead, Mary Margaret Marshall, Jane McDonald and Chair David Durham.
The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for final action.
