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City adopts ordinance restricting smoke shops to industrial zone
Summary
Port St. Joe commissioners adopted Ordinance 6‑21 on second reading to prohibit smoke shops, smoking lounges, tobacco and CBD shops in all districts except industrial; the ordinance includes a 30‑day inactivity rule with narrow exceptions.
The Port St. Joe City Commission adopted Ordinance 6‑21 on second reading, prohibiting smoke shops, smoking lounges, tobacco shops, CBD shops and hemp product stores in every zoning district except the industrial district.
Commission discussion focused on a revision requested after the first reading to address businesses that are closed for more than 30 days. The amended language says a business that ceases operations for more than 30 days risks losing any grandfathered rights and may have to relocate to an industrial zone. The ordinance includes an exception if the business can show the closure was caused by events beyond the business owner’s control.
Commissioners said the objective is to limit the number and location of such operations in commercial and residential areas. Following a public hearing and brief discussion, the commission voted 5‑0 to adopt the ordinance on second reading.
Why this matters: The rule narrows where smoke‑related retail and lounge uses may locate in the city and clarifies how temporary closures affect existing stores’ nonconforming rights.
Next steps: City staff was asked to notify existing smoke‑shop operators about the ordinance so they understand the compliance rules and timelines.
