Palatine may soon have its first tattoo studio if the village council approves plans for Ta2Hooligan to open at 574 W. Colfax St., in an industrial area northwest of downtown.
The planning and zoning commission recommended that the village council grant the business a special use permit. This permit is necessary because the village’s zoning ordinance currently does not allow tattoo shops.
The village council was set to discuss the matter on Monday, but the decision has been postponed to the June 3 meeting.
Luke Kozlowski, the owner of Ta2Hooligan, already runs a successful studio in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood. He plans to open a second location in Palatine to better serve his suburban clients.
“Many of my clients live in the suburbs and travel into the city to get tattooed by me,” Kozlowski told the planning and zoning commission.
Kozlowski’s studio operates by appointment only. Clients must complete paperwork for the Illinois Department of Public Health, disclosing any conditions that could affect healing. He uses disposable needles and cartridges, and FDA-regulated inks.
Kozlowski noted that the perception of tattoos has changed significantly over the years.
“I have tattooed 18-year-olds and 85-year-old women. Tattoos used to be frowned upon, but now they are widely accepted,” he said.
Kevin Cavanaugh, a member of the planning and zoning commission, believes the studio would be a good addition to Palatine.
“Tattoos are no longer taboo,” Cavanaugh said, adding that he has several tattoos himself. “It’s surprising there isn’t already a tattoo studio in Palatine.”