A decade-old ban on tattoo parlors in downtown Brentwood may soon be lifted, as the City Council voted 3-2 on Tuesday to begin the process of amending local zoning regulations. The decision marks a shift in attitude from previous city leaders, who in 2014 restricted certain types of businesses from the area in an effort to cultivate a particular image for the neighborhood.
Councilmembers who supported the measure cited overregulation, economic opportunity, and constitutional protections as key reasons to revise the city’s Downtown Specific Plan.
“We as a city council have said numerous times that we have challenges with the state mandating what we can and can’t do with our housing,” said Councilmember Tony Oerlemans. “I feel that some of the rules within the specific plans around Brentwood are imposing those same kinds of restrictions. A tattoo shop downtown would add to the atmosphere and promote other businesses.”
Local Business Sparks Change
The proposed policy shift was prompted by interest from Calculated Punkture Studio, a tattoo and piercing business that has operated on Brentwood Boulevard for more than a decade. Owners Christopher and Estrella Juarez have long expressed a desire to relocate to downtown and recently shared their vision with Oerlemans directly.
Far from the stereotypical image of a tattoo parlor, the Juarez family describes their business as a community-oriented, family-friendly operation.
“Our kids are behind the desk drawing and hanging out,” said Christopher Juarez. “We’ve always aimed to create a welcoming environment for people. The old idea of a ‘scary tattoo shop’ just doesn’t apply here.”
Estrella Juarez added that their clients frequently visit nearby restaurants and shops, helping to drive foot traffic to neighboring businesses. “About 95% of our clients go check out other businesses while they’re here,” she said.
Public sentiment also appears to be in favor of the move. Numerous residents spoke in support of lifting the ban during Tuesday’s meeting, and the city received dozens of written comments backing the proposed change.
Tattooing and the First Amendment
Like many municipalities, Brentwood originally banned tattoo parlors from downtown alongside businesses like check-cashing stores and adult entertainment venues. However, tattoos have a legal protection those other enterprises do not—the First Amendment.
In a landmark 2010 ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that tattoos and the process of tattooing qualify as protected speech under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. That decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed by a tattoo studio owner after Hermosa Beach attempted to block his business.
Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson referenced that precedent during the council discussion.
“I thought the specific plan was putting us in grave legal danger, as it was violative of the First Amendment,” she said. “I don’t know why we would even consider not moving forward with this.”
What Comes Next
Despite the council’s vote, downtown tattooing isn’t imminent. City staff must now draft an amendment to the Downtown Specific Plan outlining the terms under which tattoo parlors may operate.
The proposed amendment must go through a series of steps, including approval by the Planning Commission, two public readings by the City Council, and a 30-day waiting period after final approval before it takes effect.
Interim City Manager Darin Gale estimated the full process would take approximately five months.
Still, the move represents a significant change in how the city views tattooing as both an art form and a business.
“Moving downtown could help change the perception of tattoos,” Christopher Juarez said. “It’s not just about body art — it’s about fostering creativity and encouraging young people to explore artistic careers.”
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