Planning commission approves body‑art/tattoo studio at Tri City Center Drive

On May 14 the Redlands Planning Commission voted to adopt Resolution 1672 approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 1196 to allow a body‑art and tattoo studio in an existing 918‑square‑foot tenant space at 819 Tri City Center Drive. Staff recommended approval based on consistency with the Transit Village land‑use designation, applicable zoning and parking availability. Staff also noted the project may be exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 for existing facilities.

Planner Jasmine Zorado summarized the proposal: the studio would operate roughly 1 p.m.–10 p.m. daily, provide five booths (four for renters and one for the owner), and expect about 5–20 customers per day with up to 10–15 people on site at full capacity. Staff reported the shopping center’s prior parking provision exceeds current requirements for the proposed use. The recommendation was to adopt Resolution 1672 and approve CUP 1196 subject to the conditions in the staff report.

Applicant Dylan De Grasse introduced himself and framed the business as an arts‑based small business that would create local artist employment and adhere to health and safety regulations. Commissioners discussed the location’s proximity to youth recreation uses; several said cultural normalization of tattoos and professional piercing argued for permitting the use at that site. A motion to adopt the resolution to approve CUP 1196 passed and the chair announced the motion carried.

Why this matters: Approval allows a new personal‑service business in a Transit Village‑designated shopping center; staff’s CEQA exemption finding and the commission’s vote set the permit conditions the business must meet before opening.

What’s next: Applicant must comply with the conditions of approval in Resolution 1672 and any applicable health and safety permitting before commencing operations.