The Grand Blanc City Council has approved new regulations allowing tattoo shops and laundromats to operate in the downtown district, signaling a shift in the city’s business landscape. The decision was made in a unanimous vote that also brought changes to the types of businesses permitted in the area.
As part of the new ordinances, tattoo parlors and laundromats will now be allowed in the city’s central business district. At the same time, the council passed a measure prohibiting the establishment of smoke shops and adult-rated businesses in the same area. However, current vape shops will not be impacted, as they are “grandfathered in” under the new regulations.
“We do have some existing vape shops in the area, so they are considered nonconforming businesses. They can remain until they close, but after 20 days, no new smoke shops or adult-oriented businesses will be allowed to set up in the district,” explained Wendy Jean-Buhrer, Grand Blanc’s City Manager.
The city’s goal is to create a clearer regulatory framework for developers and business owners interested in establishing themselves in the downtown area. According to Jean-Buhrer, the move was made to ensure that businesses had a better understanding of the zoning rules and could confidently plan their ventures.
“We want to make sure that potential businesses know exactly what can and can’t be done in the central district,” Jean-Buhrer said. “This will help developers and entrepreneurs make informed decisions.”
The update also addresses long-standing issues with zoning. For instance, a laundromat that had previously operated as a nonconforming business in the area will now be properly aligned with the city’s zoning regulations, eliminating any ambiguity about where such businesses should be located.
“Our goal is to ensure that existing businesses are compliant with zoning laws and to remove any confusion about where certain types of businesses should be located in the future,” Jean-Buhrer said.
City officials emphasized that these changes are part of a broader effort to ensure clarity in the city’s ordinances and provide fair opportunities for business development.
“We are reviewing all our ordinances to make sure they’re up-to-date and that businesses have a fair chance to establish themselves in Grand Blanc,” Jean-Buhrer concluded.
Related topics: