The Abingdon Board of Zoning Appeals did the right thing Tuesday night when it gave a town business a three-month window to change zoning regulations and continue operating in the meantime.
Jeffrey Davidson, who owns the Bleeding Canvas tattoo shop, was told he could not continue operating because the town does not permit tattoo parlors in its central business district. But tattoo businesses have been operating in that area for six years.
We are pleased to see the unanimous board vote to give Davidson a 90-day opportunity to seek a change in the town’s zoning regulations. Members also were correct in standing behind town Planning Director Garrett Jackson, who must enforce the rules. Right now, tattoo parlors are not named in the zoning ordinance. How that oversight was not corrected in six years is unclear, but Jackson is correct to bring up the discrepancy now.
Today the ball rests in Davidson’s court. He must convince the town’s Planning Commission that a change is warranted. And he can continue operating his business while he tries.
Davidson brought a petition to Tuesday’s hearing with the signatures of more than 300 people who support his business. There’s no doubt many people support tattooing in general and his business specifically.
What he needs now is the support of the Planning Commission and Town Council and their willingness to add tattoo parlors as a permitted business.
Davidson handily won his reprieve Tuesday night. Now he must make good use of his 90 days.
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