West Columbia council tables vape-shop zoning for legal review, approves rezoning, annexation and $77,535 fence contract; holds first reading on tobacco-nuisnce

The City of West Columbia City Council on (date not specified) unanimously tabled second-reading consideration of zoning amendments regulating tobacco stores, smoke shops, vape shops and hookah lounges so staff can consult legal counsel, while approving three other land-use items on second reading, giving first reading to a proposed nuisance ordinance related to tobacco violations, appointing a grievance committee member and awarding a public-works fencing contract for $77,535.75.

The council’s votes affect zoning and municipal code language that would regulate where and how tobacco- and vape-related businesses may operate in the city and advance other planning and operations matters already before the council.

Votes at a glance - Zoning amendments for tobacco/smoke/vape/hookah businesses (agenda item 7.1): Motion to table second-reading consideration so staff can consult legal counsel on proposed restrictions — outcome: unanimously tabled. Council discussed a proposed additional amendment to require regulated businesses to be closed between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., but members were advised to send any new amendments to legal counsel for review before formal action. Staff clarified the proposed location restrictions would not apply retroactively to existing businesses; existing businesses would be grandfathered.

- Rezoning, 1640 Airport Boulevard (agenda item 7.2): Second reading approval to rezone a 2.25-acre parcel at 1640 Airport Boulevard (tax map 005742-01-006) from C-2 General Commercial to LM Light Manufacturing — outcome: second reading unanimously given.

- Infill overlay, Charleston Highway (agenda item 7.3): Second reading approval to establish an infill overlay district on a 0.34-acre parcel on Charleston Highway (tax map 004632-03-002, zone C-3 Restricted Commercial) — outcome: second reading unanimously given.

- Annexation, 101 Pinecrest Avenue (agenda item 7.4): Second reading approval to annex property (tax map 004531-02-008) also known as 101 Pinecrest Avenue into the city — outcome: second reading unanimously given.

- Amendment to city code treating tobacco-law violations as a public nuisance (agenda item 8.1): First reading given to an ordinance amending Title 6, Chapter 1, Section 1 of the City of West Columbia Code of Ordinances to include violation of tobacco laws as a public nuisance; the first reading was unanimously given and the ordinance will return for second reading when related zoning items return to council.

- Grievance committee appointment (agenda item 8.2): A candidate was appointed to the grievance committee for a three-year term — outcome: unanimously appointed.

- Public works fencing improvement contract (agenda item 8.3): Council approved awarding the contract to Global Fence and Supply as the lowest responsible, responsive bidder for $77,535.75. The work includes composite fencing along Twelfth Street and Hall Street at the public works facility and black PVC-coated chain-link fencing with vertical slats around the remainder of the facility — outcome: unanimously approved.

Discussion and directions to staff Council members asked staff to refer any additional proposed restrictions on the operating hours or signage of regulated businesses to legal counsel before taking final action. Staff confirmed the draft location provisions were written to grandfather existing businesses. Council asked staff to work with affected businesses on enforcing signage requirements. For the fencing contract, staff explained the composite fencing will be installed along Twelfth Street turning onto Hall Street, with the remainder of the site receiving PVC-coated chain link with vertical slats.

What remains next The zoning amendments regulating tobacco- and vape-related businesses were tabled to allow legal review of proposed restrictions and any additional suggested amendments; the council did not set a guaranteed return date and staff said timing would depend on counsel review. Other items approved on second reading will proceed per the city’s ordinance-adoption timetable.