Williamsburg planning commission tables proposal to require special-use permits for vape-related retail and some stores

The Williamsburg Planning Commission on May 14 held a public hearing and extensive discussion on PCR 25-008, a proposed zoning text amendment that would require vape shops and certain drugstores, grocery stores and convenience stores in specified business districts to obtain special-use permits. After extended debate on definitions and enforcement mechanics, the commission voted unanimously to table the proposal pending additional information and refined language from staff.

The proposal was presented by Miss Griffin of the Planning Department. She told commissioners the amendment targets six business districts (LB2, LB3, B1, B2, B3 and B4) and is intended to close a loophole created after a 2022 ordinance change that led some applicants to apply as “convenience stores” rather than as vape shops. “Recently we have been solicited by someone who came in and wanted to open up a vape shop in a, business that's closed down, a vacant store, convenience store. And…they said, okay,…