Newark City Council unanimously adopts vaping restriction, approves easement; multiple zoning items referred to planning commission

Newark City Council moved unanimously to adopt an ordinance restricting cartridge-based electronic nicotine delivery systems lacking premarket authorization and approved several other routine items during a regularly scheduled meeting.

The council voted 9-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 25-06, an amendment to Part 8, Title 2 (Business Regulations) of the city codified ordinances that targets cartridge-based electronic nicotine delivery systems and products that have not obtained premarket authorization. Council members made no substantive amendments during the vote. Council member Barker thanked colleagues for their support after the vote, saying, "I appreciate everyone's support on 25 0 6".

Council members also unanimously approved Ordinance No. 25-07, accepting the deed of dedication of easement and right-of-way for public use of Stimflex Way, a newly developed street on the west side of Mount Vernon Road between North 20 First Street and Myrtle Avenue (vote 9-0).

Several proposed zoning changes were introduced and will be referred to the planning commission for review. Ordinance No. 25-08 would change multiple parcels generally described as 134 East Main Street from MB (medium-intensity business) to DC (downtown). Ordinance No. 25-09 would change 330 Thornwood Drive from MFC (multifamily condo) to MFH (multifamily high rise). Ordinance No. 25-10 would change 360 Thornwood Drive from MFC to MFH. These items were placed on first reading and referred to the planning commission.

On resolutions, the council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 25-07 authorizing and directing the mayor to apply for financial support from the State of Ohio 2025 Urban Forestry Grant (vote 9-0). The council also passed Resolution No. 25-08 (vote 9-0) and Resolution No. 25-09, an appropriation for current municipal expenses (vote 9-0). Resolutions 25-11, 25-12 and 25-13 were held until the council's next meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 25-06 (amend Part 8, Title 2 — restrict cartridge-based electronic nicotine delivery systems lacking premarket authorization): Adopted, motion by Council member Labuidis; second by Council member Parker; tally 9 yes, 0 no.

- Ordinance 25-07 (accept deed of dedication for Stimflex Way — easement/right-of-way): Adopted, motion by Council member Raff; second by Council member Marmee; tally 9 yes, 0 no.

- Ordinance 25-08 (134 E. Main Street zoning change to DC): First reading; referred to planning commission.

- Ordinance 25-09 (330 Thornwood Drive zoning change to MFH): First reading; referred to planning commission.

- Ordinance 25-10 (360 Thornwood Drive zoning change to MFH): First reading; referred to planning commission.

- Resolution 25-07 (apply for State of Ohio 2025 Urban Forestry Grant): Adopted, motion made and seconded; tally 9 yes, 0 no.

- Resolution 25-08: Adopted; tally 9 yes, 0 no.

- Resolution 25-09 (appropriation for municipal current expenses): Adopted; tally 9 yes, 0 no.

- Resolutions 25-11, 25-12, 25-13: Held until next meeting.

Why it matters

The tobacco-related ordinance changes local business regulations to target cartridge-based nicotine products that lack federal premarket authorization; if pursued at the state level as some council members requested, the rule could affect retailers and public-health enforcement locally. The zoning referrals move land-use requests to the planning commission for a public-review process that can change development timelines for parcels on East Main Street and Thornwood Drive.

The council scheduled its next meeting for April 7.