Council tables approval of a zoning change for restorative tattoo shop

The Waxahachie City Council tabled approval of a zoning change request to allow a restorative tattoo shop to operate during its Feb. 20 meeting.

The request was to change the zoning from General Retail, which prohibits tattoo shops, to Planned Development General Retail, which would allow Studio Iris to open in Suite A at 120 N. U.S. Highway 77.

Studio Iris specializes in cosmetic tattoos like brow services, lip blush, eyeliner, freckles and beauty marks, as well as restorative tattoos for the areola, belly button and more.

“It is not your typical tattoo shop,” owner Iris Showalter said. “It is more of a spa-like environment. I specialize in realistic, all-natural tattoo work for those seeking paramedical, restorative and reconstruction work for the loss of areas due to cancer, surgeries, accidents, autoimmune diseases or disorders and other special circumstances.”

Showalter explained to the council how she moved from New York City, where she worked in one of the top cosmetic and restorative tattoo shops, to Waxahachie and has fallen in love with the community.

“The goal is to provide this unique service to the local community and the nearby surrounding areas,” Showalter said.

Studio Iris operates on an appointment-only basis, not allowing walk-ins. Showalter stressed that the business would not disturb the community.

“I don’t think anybody up here has an issue with your services,” council member Travis Smith said. “The issue could be with the potential Pandora’s box that this could open.”

Councill members felt Studio Iris did not fall into the category of tattoo shops and plan to discuss the possibility of changing the zoning ordinance to differentiate Showalter’s paramedical work from other tattoo shops at their work session to be held at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Waxahachie Police Department.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial on the request with a 4-1 vote, with Erik Test dissenting, Feb. 14. Because of the commission’s denial, the city council would need a supermajority vote to approve the request, meaning at least four council members would need to vote in support. The supermajority would still stand when the matter is presented to the council again.

In their report, city staff said they had received “numerous zoning requests” for tattoo shops and recommended denial to remain “consistent with past recommendations.” The Sun requested the zoning requests from tattoo shops made to the city in the last five years. Three requests had been made: Heart-In-Hand, Lost Veil Tattoo and Studio Iris.

On July 5, 2022, the city council approved a zoning change request to Planned Development Central Area, allowing Heart-In-Hand to operate at 212 S. Rogers St. with city staff recommending approval. Lost Veil was denied by the city council on Jan. 17, 2023, to operate in the Rogers Hotel, located at 100 N. College St., with city staff recommending denial. Senior director of planning Jennifer Pruitt did point out that Lost Veil has since found a space in Commercial zoning and has applied for a certificate of occupancy.

City staff encouraged Studio Iris to find another property that is zoned Commercial, which would allow tattoo shops. Pruitt said there are 985 acres zoned Commercial in Waxahachie.

Showalter said she has looked for spaces zoned Commercial but has had trouble finding a space that works for her.

According to the city report, if the request is approved, it would come with conditions. The tattoo shop would operate only in Suite A at the location, with hours of operation from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. A license by the Texas Department of State Health Services would be required, and only Studio Iris would have permission to operate a tattoo shop on the property.

The council will vote on the matter at an upcoming meeting.

For more information about Studio Iris, visit https://studioirisbeauty.com.

Originally published February 23, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/business/council-tables-approval-of-a-zoning-change-for-restorative-tattoo-shop/article_7dff1d8e-b3fc-11ed-8eef-9bf66dee5091.html