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Planning panel approves Saguaro Smoke Shop conditional use permit at Parkway Plaza
Summary
The Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8 approved a conditional use permit to allow Saguaro Smoke Shop to open in Units 8–9 at 100 W. Apache Trail, with conditions. The 5–2 vote followed staff recommendation and brief public comment about health concerns.
The Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8, 2025 voted 5–2 to approve conditional use permit PD-25-6-CUP, allowing Saguaro Smoke Shop to operate in Units 8 and 9 at Parkway Plaza, 100 West Apache Trail.
City planner Teng Tanago presented the application and told commissioners the site is in the City Center B3 zoning district and no zoning deviations were requested. Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report; the applicant will be required to restripe the parking in front of the units and make minor interior improvements, Tanago said. Notices were mailed to property owners within 300 feet, a sign was posted, and a neighborhood meeting on March 10 drew one supportive attendee, Tanago said. Staff also received one phone inquiry asking whether the store would sell marijuana; staff confirmed it would not.
Applicant Noah Mason told the commission Saguaro will market itself as a "high-end" retail smoke shop focused on education and community engagement. Mason said inventory will include Arizona-made glass, herbal vaporizers, CBD products, cigars and nicotine products that meet current regulations. He said the business will be retail only, not a lounge or dispensary; smoking on the premises will be prohibited and the operator will enforce a no‑loitering policy and post signs about the rules.
During public comment, residents raised health and safety concerns. Gordy Harter cited national smoking‑related mortality statistics and urged caution. Mara Summers urged that the applicant not be singled out because other local retailers already sell similar products.
At the commission’s fact‑finding discussion, members found roadways, parking, public facilities and services adequate for the proposed retail use; they found no expected negative impacts from odors, smoke or lighting; and they found the use compatible with surrounding retail and with the city’s general plan for the downtown mixed‑use area. A motion to approve PD-25-6-CUP passed on roll call with five votes in favor and two opposed. The commission chair noted that an aggrieved party may appeal the decision to the city council within 20 days in writing and is subject to a filing fee.
The approval carries the conditions listed in the staff report, including the required restriping and the seven specific conditions noted during the hearing. The applicant and staff said they will work with city planning to finalize the conditions and any administrative details before the business opens.
