Palm Desert Considers Limiting ‘Negative’ Businesses

City officials said tattoo shops inspired an ordinance under consideration by the City Council.

It would stop any new tattoo businesses from opening along Highway 111 and El Paseo Rd. There are 5 of those businesses – all within a mile or two along Highway 111.

Ron Sharp, owner of 111 Tattoo, said feels the ordinance is un-American.

“They’re not saying no more jewelry shops, they’re not saying no more restaurants. For the tattoo industry to be singled out is just a matter of people who don’t appreciate it,” said Sharp.

But the law doesn’t just target tattoo shops.

If passed, there would be no new smoke shops, pawn shops or massage parlors.

The city says those businesses give the area a negative image and don’t help the area’s economy.

Instead those types of new businesses can open up in other parts of the city.

“Other cities don’t allow them Rancho Mirage, La Quinta. Most cities I talk to prohibit them. Cathedral City is looking at a similar ordinance,” said Tony Bagato, from the cities planning department.

Owners say the area and the city could use any business it gets.

“If people want to bring their money to open a business here, now they have to take it somewhere and other cities are going to get that benefits,” said Kahl Assaf, an employee at Palm Desert Cigarette.

“Look at all the buildings on El Paseo that are for rent. Look at all these buildings on these streets that have gone out of business and every tattoo shop that has opened has stayed in business,” said Sharp.

Sharp is also worried his rent might go up because the law might force him to keep his business at this location.

Bagato said the proposed ordinance won’t trap businesses or limit their expansion.

Some shops aren’t sure how the proposed ordinance might affect their business. Sharp says he’ll be the city council meeting to make sure his business isn’t stung.

The Palm Desert City Council voted 2-1 on the ordinance on Thursday. It will be back on the agenda June 10th.