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*Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt the Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit to Operate a Body Modification Establishment in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District at 6549 North Avenue
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Introduction
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The Petitioner, TAT3 Chicago Inc., seeks Village approval of a special use permit to operate a body modification establishment located at 6549 North Avenue in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance. This is a companion item to ORD-26-104.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
TAT3 Chicago Inc. seeks Special Use approval to operate a body modification establishment (tattoo studio) in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District located at 6549 North Avenue. If the proposed text amendment (companion ORD 26 - 104) is approved by the Village Board, Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) of the Zoning Ordinance of the Village of Oak Park would require the Applicant to obtain a special use permit to operate a body modification establishment in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District.
The Applicant proposes to operate an appointment-only tattoo studio on the Property, offering professional body art, piercings, merchandise, apparel, and apprenticeships services, as well as: studio open houses to demonstrate new artist’s work, hosting of new up-and-coming artists and their work for the community, new artists training, and the displaying of body art and other non-body art as studio events and open houses. This is a core service priority.
On December 22, 2025, the Project Review Team (PRT) reviewed the proposal. The PRT consists of representatives from various departments and divisions within the Village government.
On December 24, 2025, a legal notice was published in The Wednesday Journal.
On January 15, 2026, the Plan Commission held a public hearing on the application.
Timing Considerations
The Village Board must act on the application within 60 days of receipt of the Plan Commission recommendation. If the Village Board does not act upon the application within 60 days of receipt, the application is deemed denied.
Budget Impact
The cost of legal notice of $266 from Account GL string (1001.46202.101.550652). The 2026 budget has sufficient funding for this cost.
Operating Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery. Approximately ten (10) hours of staff time have been put toward this item. Managing special use permit applications is a standard operating function of the Planning & Urban Design Division within the Development Services Department.
DEI Impact
The owners of TAT3 Chicago Inc., are seeking Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification.
Community Input
The Plan Commission held a public hearing on January 15, 2026. Three letters in opposition to the special use application were submitted into the record. In addition, nine people spoke in opposition to the requested special use permit, characterizing the proposed use as an undesirable use for North Avenue. The Listing Agent for the property spoke in favor of the application.
The Plan Commission finds that allowing the operation of the Body Modification Establishment as a special use permit is consistent with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan and is consistent with the spirit and intent of the Zoning Ordinance. The Plan Commission recommends to the Village President and Board of Trustees that the special use be approved by a 5-0 vote, with the following conditions.
1. The Applicant is limited to offering tattoos and piercing services at the Subject Property that the Applicant is currently licensed for, and is prohibited from providing other body modification services, including but not limited to scarification and other major body modifications.
2. The Applicant may not operate any special events at the Subject Property after 10:00 p.m.
The Findings of Fact report is attached to this agenda item. The video of the public hearing can be seen by clicking the following link: <https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/citizen-commissions/commission-tv>.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance approving the special use permit to operate a body modification establishment.
Advantages:
• Approving the special use permit would allow for a minority owned business to operate a body modification establishment on North Avenue at 6549 North Avenue.
• This action allows the use of a vacant building.
Disadvantages:
• The Applicant would need to find an alternative location in a different zoning district for their proposed use.
• Approving the special use for a single occupancy use for a two-story building that could have been used as a mixed-use building featuring residential on the second floor.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can elect to deny the special use permit.
Advantages:
• Denying the special use would allow the two-story building to be available for another use.
Disadvantages:
• The building would remain vacant.
• Denying the special use would prohibit a minority business from operating on North Avenue at this location.
Alternative 2:
The Board could remand the Application back to the Plan Commission.
Advantages:
• This action would trigger more review and information from the Applicant, staff, and the public.
Disadvantages:
• This action would result in delays to the owner and operator of the body modification establishment.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Mike Bruce, Planning & Urban Design Manager/Village Planner
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Director of Development Services Department
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. Findings of Facts
3. Application
4. Staff Report
5. Opposition Letters
6. Petitioner’s Presentation