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Plan commission backs special permit for cosmetic tattooing studio, limits traditional tattooing
Summary
The Plan Commission recommended approval of a special permit for Dallas Scalp Associates to operate a cosmetic tattooing business at 22100 Alamo Road, with conditions limiting services to scalp pigmentation, eyebrow/lip cosmetic tattooing, scar camouflage and restorative areola work; commissioners noted health licensing and a prior permit history.
The Richardson City Plan Commission on Feb. 3 recommended approval of a special permit allowing Dallas Scalp Associates to operate a cosmetic tattooing establishment at 22100 Alamo Road, subject to conditions that prohibit traditional artistic tattooing, body piercing and body painting.
Planner Christine Ross told the commission the site is in a PD district with a base zoning of LRM2 local retail and that cosmetic tattooing is not specifically listed in the zoning ordinance, so a special permit is required. Ross explained the staff recommendation limits the permit to scalp pigmentation, eyebrow cosmetic tattooing, lip cosmetic tattooing, scar camouflage and restorative cosmetic tattooing for breast cancer survivors and stated hours of operation: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m.–8 p.m.
Applicant Chris Torres described the services he provides and his prior experience operating under a similar permit. “One of the main things that I do is scalp micropigmentation,” Torres said, adding he performs areola restorative tattooing for breast cancer patients and that he “does that for free.” Torres said he generally operates by appointment and that his assistant will likely be a family member he is training.
Staff and commissioners discussed how the city distinguishes cosmetic tattooing (pigment placed in the superficial dermis that fades gradually and is regulated through state health licensing) from traditional artistic tattooing (ink placed deeper in the dermis). Christine Ross and staff said the permit language explicitly prohibits services not listed in the conditions to maintain that distinction.
Three letters in support and one in opposition were in the record; no members of the public spoke in person. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval; staff said City Council will consider the case on Feb. 23.
The special permit, if approved by council, will be limited to Dallas Scalp Associates and Chris Torres and will automatically terminate on change of ownership or operator, per the conditions presented to the commission.
