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Lakewood imposes temporary moratorium on smoke shops as residents raise complaints about storefront signage
Summary
City council adopted a moratorium on new smoke shops through Dec. 31, 2025, to give staff time to revise zoning rules; a resident also complained about bright signage at a Madison Avenue smoke shop and planning staff said they will investigate.
Lakewood City Council voted June 2 to impose a temporary moratorium on the issuance or processing of permits for smoke shops while city staff and council review zoning and signage rules for retail corridors.
The moratorium — adopted by council as Resolution 2025-25 — places a pause on new smoke-shop permits through Dec. 31, 2025, or until zoning changes are enacted, whichever comes first. The measure excludes state-licensed medical and adult-use marijuana dispensaries from the moratorium language.
Why it matters: council members said a recent increase in vape- and smoke-shop openings prompted the pause so staff can consider restrictions on signage, saturation of uses, location suitability and storefront quality. Vice President Baker, who introduced the item with the mayor, said the moratorium is intended as a “stopgap” while a zoning-code refresh proceeds.
Council discussion and drafting: members discussed whether to refer the matter to committee for further work; Councilmember Bullock asked for background on the draft language and whether any pending applications exist. City staff said Law Department attorney Miss Swallow drafted the proposed language and that it borrows from wording used in other jurisdictions. The administration said the moratorium would not affect existing businesses.
Public comment on signage: during public comment, resident Daniel McGraw said the sign of a smoke shop on Madison Avenue shines into his bedroom each night. McGraw said he was told the sign had been approved by the planning department and asked whether the city has a policy limiting signs that create glare into residences. Planning Director Byington said she would review the specific case and the code, noting the city maintains standards related to nuisance and light pollution and that staff would follow up with Mr. McGraw.
Outcome and next steps: council adopted the moratorium on first reading and passed the resolution by voice vote. The law department will prepare final ordinance language as staff evaluate zoning changes and signage standards; planning staff said they will investigate the specific signage complaint raised during public comment.
What the record shows: Resolution 2025-25 was adopted June 2 to pause smoke-shop permits while staff and council consider zoning updates. Planning staff committed to investigating the Madison Avenue signage complaint and reviewing applicable code standards.
