Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Business Licensing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board allows Heart City Social Club tattoo studio in downtown Elkhart with limits on artists
Summary
The board approved a use variance to permit 'Heart City Social Club' at 700 S. Main, contingent on floor-plan restrictions limiting tattooing to one chair/artist at a time in the approved area and adherence to Indiana Department of Health rules.
The Elkhart Board of Zoning Appeals on Jan. 8 approved a use variance for Espar Holdings LLC to operate a tattoo studio called Heart City Social Club at 700 South Main.
Applicants Nicholas and Rebecca Green described the proposed business as a high-end, community-oriented tattoo studio that will operate indoors and follow industry health standards. Rebecca Green said the studio would emphasize client safety and a welcoming atmosphere and listed planned hours of operation: weekdays 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; weekends to 8 p.m. “Client safety and satisfaction is our top priority,” she told the board.
Unidentified staff told the board the commercial space is about 500 square feet, that the operator provided bloodborne-pathogen and CPR certificates, and that the operation would be governed by the Indiana Department of Health, including sharps-disposal rules. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: (1) the tattooing area shall be limited to one chair and one tattoo artist at a time in the area shown on the floor plans (clarifying the four stations on plans), and (2) continuous adherence to applicable state and local health codes. Staff reported 16 mailed notices with one returned in favor.
A board member moved and the board approved the variance with the stated conditions. Board members encouraged the applicants' downtown revitalization plans and noted they may participate in community events.
Next steps: applicants must secure applicable building permits and comply with state health regulations before opening.
