Blue Springs OKs conditional use permit for Tier 1 Tattoo, waives 500‑foot separation

The Blue Springs City Council on Oct. 20 approved a conditional use permit and alternative development standards allowing Tier 1 Tattoo to operate at 1338 Northwest 7 Highway, despite the city's standard 500‑foot separation requirement from residential uses.

City staff told the council the property is zoned GB (general business) and that the Unified Development Code amendment expanding body‑art allowances permits such uses in commercial corridors subject to a conditional use permit. "Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit with alternative development standards with the 2 conditions listed in the staff report," the staff presentation said.

The applicant, Logan Johnson, told the council he operates an established tattoo business in Odessa, Missouri, and plans to relocate to Blue Springs. "My hours of operations will be between 9AM and 7PM by appointment only. I do not take walk ins," Johnson said during his presentation. He said he holds a Missouri tattooist license and an establishment license and described a professional, low‑traffic operation.

Several residents and local business owners spoke in support. Marcus Littrell, owner of Precision Line Barber Shop, described the landlord''s recent improvements to the strip mall and said the businesses there "feed off each other." Bill Fickle, a longtime Blue Springs resident, and other supporters including Emery Schafer and Jeremy Lundergan described Johnson's work and character and urged approval.

Council members discussed proximity to residential uses; staff said the proposed studio will abut an MF‑18 multifamily zoning district and that a 6‑foot privacy fence separates the properties. Council member Erickson asked about the separation and staff replied: "It would be 0 feet. So it directly abuts up into, MF 18, which would be a multifamily. And there is a 6 foot privacy fence between the commercial use and the residential use." The council also confirmed that state licensure and an updated establishment address will be required before the city issues a business license.

Council introduced Bill 5357 on first reading and later approved the ordinance on second reading. The council's roll call on final approval was unanimous; the ordinance was assigned No. 5458.

Next steps: the applicant must update state licensure records and satisfy the two staff conditions listed in the staff report before the City will issue a local business license for the new location.