Could legal action be taken against a planned tattoo parlor in Lehighton?

Attorney Jane Sebelin approached borough council on Monday on behalf of her clients, whom she said are considering filing an action against the owner and tenants of 336 Iron St. for the operation of the TATTOO Studio.Sebelin said that the plaintiffs plan to bring suit in that the operation of the tattoo parlor, located at the former Marshall's Meat Market, is currently in violation of a borough zoning ordinance.Her clients have been informed by the landlord that a tattoo parlor is planned for the space, and there is evidence of a tattoo parlor wall hanging on the interior of the space, Sebelin said.Further, Sebelin noted that the planned tattoo parlor location is on the same corner as the bus stop for the children of the neighborhood, and that her clients do not want their children to share the space with a tattoo parlor.Her clients, Sebelin said, believe that a tattoo parlor is more akin to an "adult" use, than any of the other designations in the zoning code, as only adults may consent to tattoos, and the hours of a tattoo parlor are generally in the evening and night, more similar to the hours of a bar or adult club.It may also be classified as medical, as needles are regularly used and health codes must be followed, Sebelin said.Borough manager Nicole Beckett confirmed that the borough's building code official had issued a stop work order last week because the proper permits are not in place.