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NAPPANEE - With a recent change in state law, Nappanee planners have been confronted with a request to establish a tattoo parlor in the city.
The operator of the proposed business is also hoping to open a store in Goshen.
Anthony Wayne Pollard Jr. made the request before Nappanee Plan Commission a week ago - just a month after a state law was established that no longer requires a medical license for the business.
The dilemma the commission faces is that current local ordinances don't address which types of zoning classifications the business would be appropriate within.
Officials were aware the request would be made and had been researching the issue. Zoning administrator Don Lehman has contacted other communities for advice, and city attorney Brian Hoffer has also looked into the issue.
Pollard said he has 17 years' experience in the tattoo business and is conscientious about health and safety concerns.
"There are very few people in the area that have the education that I do (as far as) the health concerns," Pollard said.
Earlier this month, Pollard made a request to the Goshen Board of Zoning Appeals, and the city is now seeking a modification to its ordinance to allow it.
Nappanee Plan Commission Chairman Tom Lehman voiced a general concern over parlors within residential areas because of a potential impact on children. Pollard agreed.
Nappanee tabled the issue until a future meeting. The board meets on the second Thursday of each month.
