La Porte council denies two tobacco shop requests, approves school expansion and other zoning changes

The La Porte City Council on Tuesday denied two applications for tobacco and smoker-supply stores, approved a special conditional use permit to allow Lomax Junior High School to expand, and approved a commercial parking lot and code amendments affecting adult-oriented business classifications and public-hearing signposting.

Planning staff told council the two tobacco-store proposals were reviewed against the city’s zoning rules and surrounding land uses. "This application was actually received September 5, 2024 prior to the council's adoption of the 106 change on October 14th," said Yvonne Briscoe, planning and development, while presenting the proposal for 1307 West Fairmont Parkway. Briscoe said staff found seven existing vape or tobacco shops in La Porte and that Planning and Zoning recommended denial.

The denial motions were made on the council floor. Councilman McLaren moved to deny the SCUP for 1307 West Fairmont Parkway; the motion was seconded by Councilman Bentley and the motion carried. A separate SCUP for 9803 West Fairmont Parkway was also denied after a motion by Councilman McLaren and a second by Councilman Bentley; the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial for that application as…