Tattoo Studio Could Open Next Month In Pawcatuck

Downtown Pawcatuck could be getting a new business early next year. Matt Eckenroth got one step closer to opening Ink & Paint Art & Tattoo Studio on Tuesday night when the Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission approved a change of use permit for the property located at 37-39 West Broad Street.

“This was the biggest hurdle,” Eckenroth said, adding that he now needs to get a zoning permit for the business approved.

The PZC approved a change of use to personal services for the Pawcatuck property and also decided tattoo studios fall under a personal service.

“If it’s not a personal service, then what is it?” PZC Member Ben Tamsky asked during dicussion.

The town’s planning and zoning documents do not list tattoo studios in the regulations. According to Interim Director of Planning Keith Brynes some area towns require a special use permit for tattoo studios, some have a distance restriction for how close they can be located to schools and churches, some treat them as similar to a nail salon and others like Ledyard ban them outright.

“The popularity of tattoo parlors is certainly growing,” PZC Member John Prue said.

Member Tamsky and seated alternatives Garner Young and Curt Lynch voted to approve the permit. Prue voted no and members Bob Marseglia, Frances Hoffman and Bob Mercer were absent.

Eckenroth said his next step is to get a zoning permit for his business from the zoning official. Then he will have to have a doctor inspect his studio before opening. According to Eckenroth, while the state does not require an application for tattoo studios the state requires regular inspections.

He hopes to open early next year.