Council directs code changes to regulate smoke shops — limits, hours and CUPs proposed

City staff presented proposed Municipal Code amendments Jan. 26 to regulate smoke shops and similar uses, following the Council’s prior ordinance prohibiting nitrous oxide. Director of Community Development Ho told the Council that smoke shops are permitted by‑right in several commercial zones and that the city currently had six existing and proposed locations. The recommended changes would limit hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., cap sales of smoke products to 5% of gross floor area, and require a Conditional Use Permit for existing and new smoke shops.