The City of El Cajon Planning Commission recently convened to discuss regulations surrounding smoke shops and their potential relocation within the city. A key focus of the meeting was the challenges existing smoke shops face when it comes to relocating, particularly in light of local ordinances that require significant distance from sensitive areas such as schools, residential neighborhoods, and other tobacco shops.

Commission members expressed concerns about the limited options available for smoke shops to find new locations if their current shopping centers are redeveloped. Staff highlighted that many smoke shops are situated in strip malls, which are increasingly being considered for redevelopment. For instance, a former Conroy's location on Bridal and Second Street is a candidate for demolition, leaving the existing smoke shop with few alternatives for relocation.

The discussion also touched on the city's municipal code, which mandates a separation of 500 feet from residential areas and 1,000 feet from other tobacco shops. This creates a challenging environment for existing businesses to find compliant new locations, as there are reportedly only two viable spots in the vicinity of Parkway Plaza that meet these criteria.

The commission is considering a proposal that would allow existing smoke shops to relocate as long as they improve their distance from sensitive uses, rather than simply moving to another location that does not comply with the existing regulations. This approach aims to balance the needs of local businesses with community safety and health concerns.

As the meeting progressed, the commission decided to continue the discussion on this topic to their next meeting on October 7, allowing for further deliberation and input from the public. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the future of smoke shops in El Cajon, as well as the broader landscape of commercial development in the city.