Tattoo artist gets second chance

A tattoo artist who wants to open a shop in downtown Hartselle may have her wish granted next month after the city council considers a proposed amended zoning ordinance for the Central Business District (CBD).
Elizabeth Brookshire of Hartselle was denied a privilege license to operate a tattoo and piercing parlor in the CBD last month because the use was not permitted by ordinance. Subsequently, she lost on an appeal to the Zoning Adjustment Board before turning to the council to request a change in the law.
The governing body voted last week to have City Attorney Larry Madison revise the language in the city’s 1967 zoning law to make room for a tattoo parlor and agreed to consider it for adoption at a regular meeting on July 13.
A public hearing will precede the vote. It will give any persons who desire the opportunity to speak for or against the proposed change.
The current law permits the tattoo or piercing parlors in the district only upon review and approval of the zoning board. Others listed in this category include medical offices and clinics for humans, appliance service and repair, upholstery shops and fitness centers.
In another section, 11 uses for service establishments and repair shops are identified. They include bicycle sales and service, copying or photocopying, dry cleaning and laundry pickup stations, barber and beauty shops, tanning salons, catering, interior decorating services, computer sales or repair, photography, day spa and appliance sales or leasing.
After she receives a license, Brookshire plans to open her business on Main Street in the building formerly occupied by The Fudge Shop.