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Commission denies SUP for retail sales of consumable hemp products at Rushton Drive location
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend denial of an SUP for a proposed store selling consumable hemp products, CBD and vaping-related items at 2131 Rufe Snow Drive. Staff reported four letters of opposition; the application will go to City Council on Feb. 18.
The Keller Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 28 recommended denial of a specific-use permit that would have allowed a retail store selling consumable hemp products (CHP), CBD, kratom and e-cigarette products at 2131 Rufe Snow Drive.
The motion to deny passed 5–1. Commissioners cited neighborhood opposition and public-safety and public-health concerns during deliberations. Staff said the lease space (1,190 square feet) previously housed a vape shop that closed in March 2023. City staff noted the UDC change adopted May 3, 2022, requires an SUP for new dedicated smoke-shop uses and similar retail formats in certain districts; 31 notices had been mailed and staff received letters of opposition from four adjacent properties.
Applicant Roshan Adhikari told the commission the store would primarily offer CBD products and kratom, require identification checks, and seek products with a certificate of analysis from an authorized laboratory. Adhikari said the shop’s business model differs from the prior tenant and cited accounts of customers who reported symptom relief from CBD products.
Commission discussion focused on proximity to schools, the number of similar stores in Keller (staff identified about six outlets selling CBD/vape products in the area), and the prior store’s closure. Several commissioners said the neighborhood opposition and the availability of tobacco and alternative nicotine products at convenience stores and grocery outlets influenced their vote. The commission’s recommendation to deny will be forwarded to the Feb. 18 city council agenda, where council will make the final decision.
Votes at a glance: The commission recommended denial of the SUP by a 5–1 vote; the motion to deny was made from the dais and seconded; the application proceeds to City Council for final action.
