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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO

                       DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
                       AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE:
                                        AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:  _____7.A._____
Zoning Text Amendments
                                                     FILE NUMBER:          _______________Tattoo Parlor/Piercing Studio
Specialized Instructional Services
                                           COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: Nov. 10, 2025
Ordinance No. 25-O-0051
                                            COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: Nov. 17, 2025

STAFF REVIEW: John Sterrett                      SIGNATURE __________________________
APPROVED BY INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR: Tia     SIGNATURE __________________________
Messino

ITEM SUMMARY:
The City’s downtown district (B-1 Central Business District) does not permit the use of tattoo parlors
either by right or by special use. This use is only permitted in the B-3 District and requires a special use
permit in addition to a minimum separation distance of 500 feet from any residential use, school,
church, and daycare facility. At a recent City Council meeting, a local tattoo artist expressed a desire
for the City to revisit the prohibition of tattoo parlors in the B-1 District and submitted a request to staff
requesting a zoning text amendment to permit this type of use. Tattoo parlors have become more
common in downtown areas and can have a positive impact on the downtown economy by generating
more foot traffic and activity. Staff is of the opinion that this type of use should require approval of a
Special Use Permit in the B-1 District rather than be permitted by right. Staff recommends that a body
piercing studio, which at times is associated with tattoo parlors, should also have the ability to request
approval of a special use permit.

Additionally, the City’s downtown district does not currently allow instructional services such as yoga,
arts, crafts, or cooking. Over the last few years business engaged in these types of uses have inquired
about operating in the downtown. Other uses similar to these are specifically called out as permitted,
such as music, dance, trade, and martial arts. These types of uses are beneficial for the downtown
because of the  activity and foot  traffic they create, which can have a residual effect on other
businesses, such as retail shops and restaurants. Staff is proposing to create and define a broad
category that encompasses all types of instructional services and allow them as a permitted use within
the downtown.

At their November 4, 2025 meeting, members of the Plan Commission voted unanimously (5-0, with
two absent) in support of the proposed Zoning Text Amendment to allow Specialized Instructional
Services as a Permitted Use in the B-1 Central Business District. Furthermore, Members of the Plan
Commission voted 4-1 with 2 absent in support of the proposed Zoning Text Amendment to allow
Tattoo Parlors/Body Piercing Studios as a Special Use in the B-1 Central Business District.
ACTION PROPOSED:
Discuss and recommend approval of the proposed Zoning Text Amendment.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
Members of the Development Committee voted to recommend approval of the proposed Zoning Text
Amendment by unanimous decision.
 Attachments: Draft Ordinance 25-O-0051