The Hermosa Beach City Council has approved an zoning ordinance allowing tattoo studios, paving the way for a local artist to open a parlor in Pier Plaza.
The council's decision Tuesday comes six weeks after a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found the city's tattoo ban was unconstitutional and permanent displays of body ink are a form of artistic expression protected by First Amendment free speech rights.
The unanimous ruling by the three-judge panel was the first by a federal appellate court and overturned a decision in 2008 by a District Court judge.
While Hermosa Beach has never outright banned tattoo parlors and piercing studios, the city's municipal code offered no viable location for the establishments to operate.
Johnny Anderson sued the city in 2006, arguing that since the city's zoning code had effectively banned tattoo parlors, his right to free expression had been violated.
Anderson, a co-owner of a Yer Cheat'n Heart Tattoo and Body Piercing in Gardena, said he has been eyeing a Pier Plaza location for his new studio.
Look for a full story in tomorrow's Daily Breeze.
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