Villa Rica updates zoning ordinance to regulate smoke and vape shops

Villa Rica officials are taking significant steps to regulate smoke and vape shops in response to their rapid increase in the community. During a recent government meeting, city staff proposed a text amendment to the zoning ordinance aimed at better managing these businesses, which have proliferated in the area over the past few years.

The proposed changes include increasing the required distance between smoke shops and sensitive areas such as hospitals, parks, and schools from 300 feet to 1,500 feet. Additionally, existing smoke shops will not be allowed to open within 1,500 feet of new establishments. This move is designed to protect community spaces and ensure that these businesses are not concentrated near places frequented by families and children.

Another key aspect of the amendment is the classification of businesses as smoke or vape shops. Staff suggested that any business where nicotine or vape-related sales exceed 25% of total sales should be classified as a smoke shop. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a different approach, proposing that any business displaying more than 50% of its merchandise as vape or smoke products should be classified as such. This distinction aims to provide clearer guidelines for enforcement and compliance.

The amendment also introduces definitions for terms related to vaping and medical cannabis dispensaries, aligning local regulations with state laws. This is particularly relevant as pharmacies may be licensed to dispense medical cannabis, which is subject to strict state regulations.

City officials acknowledged the challenges of enforcing these new regulations, particularly in defining what constitutes a smoke shop and monitoring compliance. The discussion highlighted the difficulty in policing visual displays versus sales percentages, with many officials agreeing that a sales-based threshold might be more effective.

As Villa Rica moves forward with these proposed changes, the city aims to strike a balance between allowing businesses to operate while protecting the health and well-being of its residents. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the proposed regulations before they are finalized.