Tattoo Parlors: St. Charles Residents Say 'Not In My Backyard'

Tattoo establishments are fine in some places – but not in St. Charles, according to several city council members and local residents who spoke during the Feb. 3 meeting. 

“There are seriously skilled and talented artists in the profession, and yeah, there are nice people over the age of 50 who are tattooed,” said Charlotte Worthington, member of the Historic Downtown Association. “Activities associated with these establishments are often undesirable.”

City Councilmen Richard Veit, Ward 1, and David Beckering, Ward 8, didn’t get much support from other council members for their bill that would allow tattoo parlors in certain parts of the city. Potential owners would have to get approval from the Planning and Zoning board and the City Council for a conditional use permit for a tattoo shop. 

The sponsors decided to hold the bill until the next meeting to consider some of the issues raised by council members and patrons.

Mary Ann Ohms, a resident who lives on N. Fourth Street, said she’s concerned about the potential negative impact a tattoo establishment might have on property values if it were to locate in a commercial district that borders a residential district. 

She also raised the question about the whether properties that have an address on Riverside Drive in historic downtown – but don’t actually face Main Street – might be able to put in a tattoo parlor. 

The language in the bill says “tattooing, body piercing or branding establishments on any property in the Historic Downtown District that fronts on North or South Main Street” are not a permitted use. 

Beckering said it was never his intention to allow tattoo shops on Main Street. He said he would like to hold the bill to look further at the differences between the different commercial business districts.

 “I know of four commercial businesses in this town who have people ready to move in and open spaces in their businesses, most of which have been empty for over two years,” he said.

“I don’t think we have a leg to stand on when we say we don’t like them and we don’t want them here.” 

Bridgit Ohmes, Ward 10, said the city can stand on regulations about what is allowed in the city.

 “I don’t consider this an economic development opportunity,” she said. “I don’t see the benefit to the city. If people want to go to a tattoo place there’s places in St. Charles County that allow it.”