Liberty Hill commissioners review draft vape-shop regulations, request zoning map and legal review

The Liberty Hill Planning and Zoning Commission on an evening meeting discussed a draft ordinance to regulate vape shops under the city’s Unified Development Code, focusing on whether the commission has authority to regulate land use only or also business licensing and signage.

Staff member Mary Anne Banks, who provided legal and procedural guidance during the discussion, told commissioners that the commission’s authority is primarily zoning and land use and that business licensing or direct regulation of retail products typically requires council action. Banks said zoning-based controls would make existing shops “nonconforming uses” allowed to remain, while licensing provisions would be outside the commission’s usual power and should be considered by council.

The draft ordinance under review included zoning restrictions, spacing requirements (including a proposed 1,000-foot buffer from “vulnerable populations”), controls on flavored products, display and signage rules, and a licensing section. Business owner Jordan Weckler of Starlight Vapor, 14745 State Highway 29, addressed the commission in public comment and cited…