Brentwood Tattoo Studios: Council Approval
- the Brentwood city Council is weighing a proposal to permit tattoo studios in the downtown area, initiating a process to amend the Downtown Specific Plan.
- The proposed amendment includes an administrative design review permit.Before any procedures, applicants must demonstrate compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections, including informed consent and a medical...
- Mayor Susannah Meyer and Councilmember Jovita Mendoza dissented.
Brentwood’s City Council is currently considering allowing tattoo studios downtown, a move that could reshape the local business landscape. The council’s 3-2 vote initiates amendments to the Downtown Specific Plan, raising discussions on economic impact and First amendment rights. Aspiring businesses, such as Calculated Punkture Studio, must also meet various health and safety standards before receiving council approval. The city is ensuring all new studios demonstrate compliance,as outlined in California health and Safety Code. This decision reflects a important shift, signaling potential growth opportunities for specific businesses. News Directory 3 is closely monitoring the developments. Discover what’s next as the planning Commission and City Council finalize the plan for Brentwood tattoo studios downtown.
Brentwood Considers Downtown Tattoo Studios Amid Debate
the Brentwood city Council is weighing a proposal to permit tattoo studios in the downtown area, initiating a process to amend the Downtown Specific Plan. The 3-2 vote on Tuesday signals a potential shift in the city’s approach to downtown businesses, balancing economic development with regulatory considerations.
The proposed amendment includes an administrative design review permit.Before any procedures, applicants must demonstrate compliance with California Health and Safety Code sections, including informed consent and a medical history questionnaire. This aims to ensure public safety and responsible business practices for tattoo parlors.
Mayor Susannah Meyer and Councilmember Jovita Mendoza dissented. Interim City Manager Darin Gale said that city staff will prepare the amendments, which will than go to the Planning Commission for review before returning to the City Council for final approval.
“It actually has two readings,and it does not become effective until 30 days after the second reading,” Gale said.“This will not happen overnight, and it will take staff time and resources to put it together and bring it to the Planning Commission for consideration.”
Councilmember Tony Oerlemans and Vice Mayor Pa’Tanisha Pierson initially raised the issue in January, advocating for Calculated Punkture Studio. The studio, currently on Brentwood boulevard, expressed interest in relocating to Second Street.
Pierson cited the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals case, Anderson v. the City of Hermosa beach, arguing that banning tattoo studios could violate the First Amendment. the court held that tattooing is a “purely expressive activity” protected by the first Amendment.
“The case law in Anderson versus the City of Hermosa Beach spoke so loudly that I don’t know why we would even consider not moving this forward,” said Pierson.
Oerlemans believes Calculated Punkture Studio would be an asset to downtown Brentwood.
Mendoza expressed concerns about potentially an unlimited number of tattoo businesses downtown. “While they do create tax revenue, it’s not the same tax revenue as other options we have for downtown,” Mendoza said. “I’m not into having an unlimited number, I’m not OK with that, and I think we should be specific about where they go.”
City Attorney Katherine Wisinski advised against a “numeric cap” due to First Amendment protections. She suggested allowing tattoo parlors as a permitted use with specific, reasonable criteria related to time, place, and manner.
What’s next
The Planning Commission will review the proposed amendments to the Downtown Specific Plan, followed by a final vote by the City Council. The decision will shape the future of downtown Brentwood and its approach to new businesses.