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Council adopts ordinance limiting locations for tobacco and hemp retail, including 'vape' shops
Summary
Richmond City Council adopted an ordinance creating a defined use for retail sales of tobacco and hemp in the zoning code and restricting where such businesses may operate, including 1,000-foot buffers from residential areas, schools, parks and places of worship.
Richmond City Council on July 28 voted to add a new zoning use for retail sale of tobacco and hemp and to regulate where those businesses may operate across the city. The ordinance treats such establishments as conditional uses in specified zoning districts and places additional restrictions on their siting.
Key provisions: The ordinance establishes a zoning definition for retail sales of tobacco and hemp, references the Code of Virginia definitions, and allows locations only in certain commercial zoning districts subject to a conditional use permit. The ordinance imposes a 1,000-foot buffer requirement from residences, schools, parks and places of worship as part of the conditional-use conditions identified by planning staff.
Why it matters: Council members and community speakers said the measure is intended to reduce the normalization and visibility of vape shops and reduce youth exposure, particularly near schools. Planning Director Kevin Jay Bonk said staff recommended approval and noted the ordinance references the Code of Virginia definitions; a later amendment could codify the definitions directly into the zoning code.
Public input and debate: Two residents and tenant organizer Madeline McElgin spoke in favor during the public hearing, saying the ordinance would help address the concentration of vape shops near middle schools. Councilmembers expressed broad support; several asked to be added as co-patrons and the administration signaled willingness to work on future amendments that would affect existing stores.
Council action: The ordinance was adopted in a roll-call vote with all members present recorded as voting yes. Vice President Jordan noted the ordinance does not affect existing shops (it applies prospectively) and that additional state-level action may be required to address existing businesses.
Ending: Councilmembers said they would continue to pursue future amendments to strengthen enforcement and address existing locations where the ordinance will not apply retroactively.
