The City of DeKalb may bring back tattooing.

During the city council meeting Monday, the council discussed the possibility of removing the ban on tattoo parlors within the City of DeKalb.

The ban has been in effect since 1991, according to an October 2006 Northern Star article.

The council recently revisited the ordinance banning tattoo parlors when an establishment came forward asking for a one-time special use permit regarding tattooing to be used during an outside even, said City Clerk Steve Kapitan.

Although the city did not approve the special use permit, it decided to look into permanently allowing tattoo parlors in the city.

During the meeting, Chris May, co-owner of Proton Studio, 12948 Route 38 in Cortland, expressed his interest in opening a parlor in DeKalb.

“Over 75 percent of our business [in Cortland] comes from the city of DeKalb,” May said.
May believes his establishment will bring business into the downtown area by opening “a state-of-the-art tattoo parlor and store.”

Kenny Weinstock, owner of Out On A Whim, 127 E Lincoln Highway, also expressed interest in offering tattooing at his current establishment.

“I have asked the city to allow me to tattoo in my current location,” Weinstock said.

The council addressed numerous concerns during the meeting including whether to limit the number of licenses available.

“I wouldn’t want to see more than two [tattoo parlors] to start,” Baker said. “I don’t want to open the floodgates.”

Weinstock was against the idea of limiting permits, but rather asked the council to consider a six block separation of parlors because the city “has a small downtown.”

“The downtown merchants don’t want to see a bunch of tattoo parlors,” Weinstock said.

Fourth Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher reminded the council that while tattoo artists are drawing up designs, people will be shopping downtown.

“For 45 minutes to an hour, people will be going into the downtown and spending money,” Gallagher said.

The council passed the ordinance on first reading, and the ordinance will be brought back to the council for second reading at the next meeting Monday, September 14 at 7 p.m.

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