The Kenton County Planning Commission has approved a zoning change that allows for the establishment of tattoo and body art businesses in Erlanger’s single mixed-use zone.
Mixed-used zones generally refer to zones where both residential and business properties co-mingle. Erlanger currently only has one mixed-use zone, a 43-acre parcel of land just off I-71 and I-75. The city building, along with several residences and businesses, are contained within the zone.
Tattoo and body art shops are already allowed on a conditional basis within the city’s neighborhood commercial, community commercial and highway commercial zones. Conditional use means that businesses can establish themselves within the zone only after a public hearing in front of the city’s board of adjustments. The board can apply conditions on the business, such as timing limitations and other requirements, before allowing them to set up shop. This conditional basis would apply within the mixed use zone, as well.
Erlanger’s Economic Development Director Mark Collier told LINK nky that a potential business tenant, Cincinnati-based tattoo artist Bret Smith, had expressed interest in a vacant property in the area. Smith did not attend the meeting, and other information about the business was not immediately available.
The zoning change will now return to the Erlanger City Council where it will face a final vote.