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Commission recommends tattoo studio in downtown East Dundee with window and hours limits
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a special use for a tattoo studio at 320 North River Street, 5–1, with conditions limiting visible tattooing from the street, suggesting partitions or frosted windows, appointment-only operation and a 90‑day review.
The Planning, Zoning & Historic Commission recommended that the village board allow tattooing at 320 North River Street after hearing from applicant Francisco Dominguez and local commissioners about prior policy and design constraints in the historic downtown.
Dominguez told commissioners he plans a “high‑end tattoo studio” and said his work focuses on black‑and‑gray realism. He described hours of 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and said the shop would take appointments and avoid some types of work (he said he avoids facial and genital tattoos). “I especially me, myself, I specialize in black and gray realism,” Dominguez said.
Commissioners recounted the village’s prior moratorium and a narrow set of conditions that allowed a limited medical/cosmetic tattooing use nearby in 2023. Members said those precedents favored restrictions that keep tattooing out of public view at street level and limit walk‑in display. Several commissioners suggested frosted glass, interior partitions or other measures so a patron being tattooed would not be visible from the sidewalk. The commission discussed hours and whether operations should be appointment‑only to reduce street advertising and impulsive visits.
In the recorded voice votes the motion to recommend passage carried with one commissioner opposed; the commission will forward its recommendation, with conditions modeled on prior approvals, to the village board for final action.
The commission included a 90‑day review provision to check compliance and community impact once the business is operating.
Next step: the village board will consider the commission’s recommendation at an upcoming meeting; approval by the village board is required before the business may operate in the downtown historic district.
