Spider Tattooz one step closer to new location as permit heads next to Sycamore City Council

SYCAMORE - Spider Tattooz, the downtown Sycamore tattoo parlor formerly owned by the late Ward 4 Alderman Rick “Spider” Kramer, is one step closer to having a new permanent location.

Brian Fleetwood, who assumed operations of Spider Tattooz during Kramer’s battle with nasopharyngeal cancer, has requested a special use permit to operate a tattoo parlor at 220 E. State St. in Sycamore.

During their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 11, held via Zoom, the Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously 10-0 to give a recommendation in favor for the special use permit to the Sycamore City Council. Commissioner Ted Strack made the motion to recommend the permit and Commissioner Nate Kitterman seconded.

Spider Tattooz previously operated at 126 ½ E. State St. in Sycamore, until a fire significantly damaged the property on Sept. 17.

In addition to operating the tattoo parlor at the new location, Fleetwood plans on residing at the property.

Before recommendation was voted upon, Chairperson Bill Davey asked about what certifications are needed to operate a tattoo parlor.

“How do you know that Mr. Fleetwood is qualified, or, you know, has the skills necessary to do this?” Davey asked. “I know he worked with Spider previously, but do we have some sort of investigation or qualification we can go through to be able to do these things in a safe manner?”

“The city does not have a local license for tattoo or body arts, but … there are regulations through the state,” Sycamore City Manager Brian Gregory said.

John Sauter, the city’s director of building and engineering, said that an annual inspection for sanitation would be required, similar to that of a restaurant. Sauter also mentioned that Fleetwood would need to obtain building permits for any renovation that is done to the building.

“We are in there once a year to do an inspection, and that’s when we verify that they have all of their state licenses on hand,” Sauter said.

Davey accepted the explanation and then both he and Gregory spoke positively about Fleetwood both working and residing at the tattoo parlor’s new location.

“I like the fact that he’s living there, too, and I’m glad the neighbors agree with that,” Davey said.

“I think that it was seen as something as a positive, as Mr. Fleetwood wants to have his residence there, in addition to his business, to take pride in the use as both a business and a residence,” Gregory said.

Since the special use permit was recommended by the Sycamore Planning and Zoning Committee, the Sycamore City Council will vote whether to approve or deny the permit during an upcoming meeting, held via Zoom.