ZBA allows cosmetic tattooing at Biomed Spa and waives parking requirement

The Zoning Board of Appeals on July 16 granted Stephanie D'Amelo’s request to permit cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup as an accessory use at Biomed Spa, and approved relief from off‑street parking requirements.

D'Amelo told the board the microblading services are appointment‑based, performed in a private treatment room, and would not change daily staffing. She said the property at 400 Rhode Island Avenue is part of a larger parcel (390–400 Rhode Island Ave) owned by Lycos Properties and that tenants share parking across the site. "They have stated multiple times that no tenant within the entire property has any assigned parking spaces, and they can all be used freely amongst everyone," D'Amelo said.

Planning staff ran the parking calculation under standard assumptions and noted a theoretical requirement of 24 spaces for the plaza depending on use assumptions, but acknowledged the ownership/parking arrangement across lots is atypical. Board members discussed the risk that a change in ownership or redevelopment of the plaza could alter parking availability; planning suggested the applicant consider an easement or recorded agreement, but concluded the waiver is reasonable for the proposed use. The board voted to grant the special permit and parking relief for the cosmetic‑tattoo accessory use.