DeKalb and Sycamore are not willing to take any risks when it comes to sanitary conditions involving tattoo parlors.

In fact, tattoo parlors are not allowed in either city.

Ordinance opposition

“We’re trying to bring the matter before the city council,” said Kenny Weinstock, owner of Out on a Whim, 127 E. Lincoln Highway.

“We feel that we can do [tattoos] in a safe, clean environment,” he said.

A city ordinance was created after complaints of unsanitary conditions.

Someone went to get a tattoo and found a store full of trash and open beer containers, Weinstock said.

“Since they cannot protect the public, they signed an ordinance outlawing tattooing,” he said.

Ordinance origins

The city ordinance has been unchanged since it was first signed in 1991, said Mark Biernacki, DeKalb city manager. Most of the city officials working back then are not in the city anymore, he said. The situation in Sycamore is different.

Tattoo parlors are not permitted uses of the city zoning, said Bill Nicklas, Sycamore city manager. There are around 100 retail uses but the commissions did not feel it was important to include tattoo retailers among those, he said.

Tattooing in Cortland

Tattoo studios have chosen to open in nearby towns that have no bans in their city ordinances.

“We went through the city of Cortland and we got body art amended to the zoning,” said Jon Bowman from Proton Studio, 2004 Somonauk Road. “We have been open for 3 years in Cortland and we have had zero problems with the city. The [DeKalb County] health department is working with us, and they’re thinking about coming up with more regulations,” he said.

Proton Studios is the closest parlor where residents can get body art performed. One student felt the city overreacted.

“I think by them outlawing tattoos it doesn’t allow people to be themselves,” said Tamika Lashay Romayne, a senior corporate communication major. “All outlets of self satisfaction that are not dangerous to people should be at access,” she said.