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Huntington Beach council approves zoning changes to limit tobacco-shop clustering near youth areas
Summary
The City Council voted 7-0 to adopt a zoning text amendment (ZTA 205-1) that adds definitions, 1,000-foot separation rules, window/signage standards and other limits on standalone smoke and tobacco retail shops to reduce youth exposure.
The Huntington Beach City Council voted 7-0 to approve a zoning text amendment intended to limit the concentration of standalone smoke and tobacco retail stores and reduce exposure near schools, parks and other youth-populated sites.
The ordinance package (zoning text amendment number 205-1) amends the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance across several chapters to define smoke- and tobacco-only retail, establish a 1,000-foot separation requirement between such shops and between shops and youth-populated areas, require clear signage and limit storefront window coverage and on-site smoking.
Planning staff presented the amendment and said the changes were intended to prevent clustering of tobacco retailers in commercial zones and to reduce youth access. The staff report noted the Planning Commission reviewed and forwarded the draft with recommended changes in February.
Among the measures approved, the council set a 1,000-foot separation requirement from schools, childcare facilities, libraries, parks and youth centers, limited the allowed locations to commercial zones (not residential), required window coverage to remain 20 percent or less and added required notices barring unaccompanied minors from entry. The amendment also restricts nonconforming tobacco shops: if a nonconforming shop discontinues operation or is abandoned for more than six months, it may not reestablish under the old rules.
Amory Hanson, a Huntington Beach resident who spoke during the public hearing, urged approval. "This zoning text amendment will reduce the accessibility of cigarettes to a younger audience," Hanson said.
Councilmember McKeon moved the ordinance package; Councilmember Vandermark seconded. The clerk recorded a 7-0 vote: Councilman Twiney — yes; Councilman Kennedy — yes; Mayor Pro Tem McKeon — yes; Mayor Burns — aye; Councilwoman Vandermark — yes; Councilman Gruel — yes; Councilman Williams — yes. The council then directed staff to proceed with the ordinance introductions listed in the agenda packet.
Why it matters: Council members said the city has seen clusters of tobacco-only retailers in some commercial corridors and that proximity to schools and parks raised community concern. The change narrows where standalone tobacco retailers can operate and establishes visible signage and storefront standards intended to limit youth exposure.
Implementation and next steps: The council approved ordinance introductions tied to ZTA 205-1 under four ordinance numbers provided in the record; staff will process the ordinance language as part of the city code update. Staff and the Planning Commission had recommended approval on the basis that the amendment aligns with General Plan goals to protect public health and clarify zoning code language.
Votes at a glance: Item 15 (Zoning Text Amendment 205-1) — motion to approve the amendment package: mover Councilmember McKeon; second Councilmember Vandermark; outcome: approved 7-0.
