Oak Park approves special‑use permit and text amendment to allow appointment‑only tattoo studio on North Avenue

The Village Board on Feb. 10 approved a zoning text amendment and a special‑use permit to allow a body‑modification establishment at 6549 North Avenue.

Craig Faylor, the village’s development services director, and village planner Mike Bruce presented two linked requests: a text amendment to add body modification establishments as a permitted special use in the North Avenue zoning district, and a special‑use permit for Tap 3 Chicago Inc. to operate at 6549 North Avenue. Bruce said the planning commission voted 5–0 on Jan. 15 to recommend approval and added conditions limiting the applicant to services the operator is licensed for and prohibiting events after 10 p.m.

The applicant described a by‑appointment, studio model focused on training new artists and community engagement. “10:00 does not limit,” the applicant said, adding that appointments are typically earlier in the day and the studio intends to be a calm, gallery‑style space.

Neighbors had raised concerns about potential noise and after‑hours events. The planning commission’s conditions — including the restriction on events after 10 p.m. and limiting services to licensed tattooing and piercing — were designed to address those concerns. Trustees debated whether the use should be allowed by right on North Avenue (it is allowed by right in most other districts) but ultimately approved the text amendment and special use as noticed.