In 2015, the City of Sparks comprehensively revised Title 20 of the Sparks Municipal Code (Zoning Code). Tattoo parlors, including tattooing, body painting, body piercing, and other similar uses, are now categorized as a specific use in Section 20.03.013 (Use Table) of the Zoning Code and permitted only in the MUD/MUC (Mixed Use District, Mixed Use Commercial), C2 (General Commercial), and TC (Tourist Commercial) zoning districts (Exhibit 1). Prior to adoption of the 2015 Zoning Code, tattoo parlors were permitted under the broader land use designation of “personal service shop” and, accordingly, were allowed in other zoning districts where personal service shops were allowed.

During the June 24, 2019 City Council meeting, Mary L. Gilbert gave public comment. She requested tattoo businesses be recategorized under the “personal services” use designation to allow tattoo businesses to locate in additional locations in Sparks, including in the MUD-MR (Mixed Use District-Mixed Residential) zoning district.

At the August 12, 2019 meeting of the City Council, Council member Abbott requested that the City Manager bring forth an amendment to Title 20 allowing tattoo parlors in additional zoning districts. This agenda item provides the City Council the opportunity to direct the City Manager to initiate changes to the Zoning Code related to tattoo parlors, including the zoning districts where they are permitted.

Tattoo parlors are currently permitted in three zoning districts, as identified in the Background section of this staff report. Should City Council desire to permit tattoo parlors in additional zoning districts, there are multiple approaches to amending the Zoning Code for this purpose. In general, options include recategorizing tattoo businesses as personal services, maintaining tattoo parlors as a separate use but permitting them in additional zoning districts, and adding tattoo parlors as a permitted use in additional zoning districts subject to approval of Conditional Use Permit. If City Council provides the City Manager direction to initiate Zoning Code changes related to tattoo parlors, City staff will develop options and make recommendations to the City Council for amendment of the Zoning Code.

1. City Council may direct the City Manager to initiate a code amendment to permit Tattoo Parlors in additional zoning districts.
2. City Council may decide not to direct the City Manager to prepare a code amendment.

I move to direct the City Manager to initiate changes to Title 20 of the Sparks Municipal Code by preparing code amendments permitting tattoo parlors in additional zoning districts.