Fraser draft would expand commercial uses to include tattoo shops, artisan spaces and food vending; adult businesses remain restricted

Fraser planning staff presented a set of proposed commercial-use changes during the Oct. 2 steering committee meeting, recommending the zoning draft permit several formerly restricted uses in commercial districts while applying targeted restrictions.

Lauren (staff member) said the draft would allow tattoo shops in the Commercial Neighborhood, Central Business District, Commercial General and industrial districts, noting those businesses are licensed by the state and would still require a local certificate of occupancy; county health oversight was discussed for related health inspections. “We are allowing tattoo shops now in the commercial neighborhood district, the Central Business District, the commercial general, and then still in the industrial district,” Lauren said.

The draft would treat adult businesses as a special land use allowed in Commercial General subject to planning commission approval; standards would bar adult businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of schools, religious institutions and childcare centers, and would prohibit adult businesses from occupying multi-tenant commercial buildings or sharing a lot with residences. Staff described the approach as a kind of "daylighting" — placing sensitive uses in visible locations to discourage concealed, problematic activity.

Staff also proposed new-use categories for artisan/maker spaces and small-scale manufacturing (with limited retail components) and clarified mobile food vending (food trucks). Members questioned how to distinguish service businesses from production-based artisan spaces and asked staff to refine definitions so the use aligns with the intended product-oriented activity.

The committee did not take a final vote; staff will refine definitions, incorporate attorney input and include these provisions in Draft 2 for Planning Commission consideration in November.