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Council approves tattoo‑studio special permit downtown after health inspection assurances
Summary
After public testimony from an experienced local tattoo artist who opposed the permit and from the applicant who said he passed county health inspections, the Joliet City Council approved a special use permit and zoning variation for a tattoo studio at 81 North Chicago Street.
The Joliet City Council on May 19 approved a special use permit and zoning variation to allow a tattoo studio at 81 North Chicago Street amid debate about sanitation, experience and oversight.
George Zavala, owner of Lifestyle Inc. and a tattoo artist with nearly three decades of experience, urged the council to deny the downtown permit, warning that the applicant had not worked in a traditional shop and raising specific concerns about biohazard disposal, autoclaves, spore testing and routine inspections. “Needles have to be regulated and sent into a biohazard box and sent off,” Zavala said, arguing that downtown placement was inappropriate for an operator without long shop experience.
Applicant Joseph Spilly told the council he completed a traditional apprenticeship, passed county health inspections before and after renovation and provided proof of those inspections to the council. “I have a proof of both of those here today,” Spilly said, adding that his studio would not be a walk‑in operation and that he had specialized training and niche clients.
Council members asked whether sanitation and biohazard compliance were monitored by city or county authorities. City staff responded that the county health department is responsible for health inspections and enforcement for tattoo facilities, not the city.
After questions and public comment, the council voted to adopt the ordinance granting the special use permit and zoning variation for the tenant space at 81 North Chicago Street. The ordinance was moved, seconded and passed by recorded voice vote as shown in the meeting transcript.
The council’s action allows the petitioner to operate under the terms of the approved special use permit; the transcript indicates the county health department will continue to handle sanitation oversight going forward.
