Council waives readings, updates fee schedule and approves body art permits and routine licenses

The Inver Grove Heights City Council on March 23 approved a series of routine measures: it waived the three-reading rule and amended the 2026 fee schedule to support new facilities, amended local code to increase the limit on licensed body art establishments from two to six, and approved a conditional-use permit and license for a new body art business and a new massage therapist license.

Fee schedule and readings: Staff explained the fee changes were primarily housekeeping and tied to an upcoming facility (a “bright side room” referenced in the packet). Council voted to waive the three-reading rule and approve the amendment as a housekeeping item.

Body art licensing and conditional use: Staff told the council that Minnesota’s Department of Health now requires statewide licensing for body art establishments and technicians and that the city code needed alignment. The proposed municipal change raises the local cap from two to six licensed establishments to better reflect current operations (staff reported four operating currently) and local demand. Planning staff recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a proposed body art establishment at 1848 50th Street East and the planning commission had recommended approval. The building owner, Steve Bulock, and the applicant, Madison Taylor, asked for timely approval so the new business could open in April; staff reported police background checks found no basis for denial. The council approved the CUP and the license.

Massage therapist license: Staff recommended approving a massage therapist license for an applicant (listed in staff materials); the council opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment and approved the license by roll call.

Other routine land-use approval: The council also approved a preliminary and final plat, variance and easement vacation to split a lot at 2615 80th Street into two single-family lots, following a unanimous planning commission recommendation.

What this means: These actions allow the applicants to proceed with business licensing and certain development steps and update local code and fees to reflect current needs; staff noted the usual recording and administrative conditions would apply.

The council recorded roll-call votes for the motions and approved these items as part of the regular business agenda.