Council allows tattoo parlors as permitted commercial use, removes 400‑foot buffer

The Lincoln City Council adopted Ordinance 1078B to amend Title 18 of the municipal code, allowing tattoo and body‑piercing establishments as permitted uses in commercial districts and removing a 400‑foot separation requirement from residential uses, churches and schools.

Assistant Planner Mikayla Noble told council staff reviewed the original 2004 ordinance and found no documented rationale—such as crime data—supporting the 400‑foot separation. Noble cited the state Safe Body Art Act (AB 1168, 2011), county health permit requirements and age restrictions (no tattooing for anyone under 18) as the regulatory framework that will continue to govern operations.

Council members asked whether a conditional use permit remained required; staff replied no—if a proposed business is in a commercial zone it may apply for a business license and operate as a permitted use. Multiple council members noted existing permanent-makeup businesses and said they had not led to community problems. One council member described tattoos as "an art form" and supported the change.

After a brief public‑comment period and no objection from the police department, a motion to adopt Ordinance 1078B passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will update zoning records and notify business licensing staff that tattoo parlors are now a permitted commercial use; operators must continue to meet state and county health and safety requirements.