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Committee declines to advance removing churches from body-art separation rule after debate
Summary
Planning staff and the Board of Health told the committee they were generally comfortable removing a separation requirement between tattoo shops and storefront churches, but several councilors raised neighborhood-protection concerns and the committee ultimately voted to take no further action on the related amendment at the meeting.
The committee considered a related motion from Councilor Joseph Lopes to amend section 42-20 of the code to strike the word "church" from a 200-foot separation requirement for body-art establishments.
Planning staff described that the planning board discussed recent appeals tied to storefront churches and said the board "seemed comfortable" with removing the church separation in mixed-use business areas, but recommended that any changes regarding schools or childcare be reserved for broader council discussion. Assistant City Planner Mike McCarthy said the planning board's comments focused largely on storefront churches and that the board did not take a specific final recommendation on removing all separation distances.
The Board of Health, represented by Stephanie Sloan, told the committee "we don't have any concerns" about removing the church separation distance so long as health requirements remain met; she added that body-art establishments renew permits annually and that inspections and training requirements are enforced.
Councilor Maria Giesta urged caution. "That's one of the reasons why we put such language in the ordinance — to protect the neighborhood," she said, adding that neighbors deserve a chance to weigh in. Several councilors echoed concern that removing the restriction could disadvantage businesses that had previously complied with stricter rules.
Outcome: Councillor Lopes moved to strike the word "church" from section 42-20; after a roll-call on the related motion and subsequent discussion, Councilor Linda Morad moved that the committee "take no further action and recommend to the full city council." The chair announced the ayes had it. No ordinance edit removing churches from the separation requirement was adopted at the Aug. 25 meeting.
Ending: Staff agreed to provide the committee with additional background information; any future ordinance amendment would require additional public hearings and planning-board referrals before final adoption.
