Plan commission endorses special permit for cosmetic tattooing business with strict limits

The Richardson City Plan Commission on Feb. 3 recommended approval of a special permit for Dallas Scalp Associates to operate a cosmetic tattooing establishment at 22100 Alamo Road, within an LRM2 retail plan development district.

Planner Christine Ross explained the distinction staff relied on between cosmetic tattooing — which uses pigment intended to fade and is used for scalp micropigmentation, eyebrow and lip cosmetic procedures, scar camouflage and restorative procedures for breast cancer survivors — and traditional artistic tattooing, which uses permanent ink placed deeper in the dermis for body art. Staff proposed conditions that would limit the permitted services to the listed cosmetic procedures and that would automatically terminate the permit upon change of ownership or operator.

Applicant Chris Torres described his services and community work, including pro bono areola repigmentation for some breast cancer survivors, and told commissioners he expects to operate primarily by appointment with a small staff. He acknowledged prior city inquiries about earlier operations and said he is committed to following the conditions in the special permit.

Commissioners asked about staffing and hours; staff said the business would primarily operate by appointment and noted proposed hours (Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.–8 p.m.). Commissioner Roberts and others spoke in favor of the therapeutic value of restorative services.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of zoning file 25-24 as presented; the item is tentatively scheduled for City Council consideration on Feb. 23.

The proposed conditions would prohibit traditional artistic tattooing, body painting and body piercing at the site and limit the special permit to Dallas Scalp Associates and operator Chris Torres.