A fine line permanent makeup artist’s request to tattoo people’s bodies below the neck was recently denied by the Centerville City Council. The decision came in part because some council members expressed concerns that allowing the tattoos could pave the way for tattoo shops to open on Main Street.
Nicole Hutchins, who already provides eyebrow, eyeliner, and lip tattoos—services that are legal in Centerville—had sought approval to expand her offerings to include small, fine-line tattoos below the neck.
“I am trained in permanent makeup and fine line tattoos,” Hutchins explained. “What I’m looking to do is simple, small, fine-line tattoos, like initials, dates, and other basic designs.”
Hutchins emphasized that the tattoos would be small, single-needle designs rather than large, elaborate pieces, and she hoped to perform the service in the salon where she’s already established.
Months ago, she applied for a zoning change to allow these types of tattoos, and after several meetings and revisions, her request was finally up for a vote at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“We’re not voting on tattoos,” council member Robyn Mecham said at the meeting. “What I’m voting on is a zoning issue.”
Hutchins works at Nu Trends, located on Main Street, which raised concerns for some council members. They feared it might lead to more tattoo shops opening in the area.
“I don’t want to experiment in our very smallest commercial district, next to single-family homes, with what that entails,” said council member Gina Hirst.
“If you just give her fine lines, what’s going to come next?” Mecham questioned.
After extensive discussion, the council voted 3 to 2 to deny Hutchins’ application. Hutchins expressed disappointment with the outcome, as she wanted to help bring more business to Centerville.
“Let’s offer the community things that they’re driving to Salt Lake for, to Ogden for. Why should the city council… be able to say you can tattoo, but only on your face?” Hutchins said.
Currently, there are no tattoo shops in Centerville. The city’s Community Development Director told KUTV that the council will explore possible locations within Centerville for a tattoo shop to operate in the future.
Related Topics