Commission grants sign variances for downtown tattoo parlor with maintenance condition

The Royal Oak Planning Commission granted a pair of variances that allow 8 Ball Tattoo to keep a hand-painted wall sign and neon/trim lighting in its downtown storefront contingent on a maintenance agreement.

Staff described the requested waivers as exceptions to Sign Area 3 provisions in the city's sign ordinance — painted wall signs and permanent architectural or trim lighting (including neon or LED tubing) are prohibited under ordinance language adopted in 2023. Jordan Zuppke, who presented for owner Martin Kazan, told the commission the painted signage and professional neon trim were installed before the petitioner fully understood permitting requirements and argued the work reflects historic downtown character; the petitioner said the neon elements cost roughly $10,000.

Commissioners weighed ordinance intent against downtown aesthetics and precedent. Several commissioners said the ordinance sought to curb tacky, blinking LED displays while acknowledging that carefully designed painted signs and neon can be historically appropriate in a downtown context. Commissioners discussed enforcement implications if other businesses must later remove similar features, and counsel and staff confirmed code enforcement can still pursue noncompliant signs that are not granted variances.

A motion to grant both requested variances passed on a roll-call vote under the condition that the applicant maintain the sign and lighting (repair burned-out bulbs promptly, repaint or repair peeling paint) and proceed with the standard sign-permit process. Staff said a granted variance does not eliminate sign‑permit requirements.