Leander planning commission denies special-use permit for proposed Old Town smoke shop near LEO Center

The City of Leander Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–1 to deny a special‑use permit for a smoke shop proposed at 106 West Willis Street in Old Town Leander.

The permit request (case Z-25-0165) sought authorization to allow a smoke shop on a 0.155‑acre parcel. Planning staff said the site is in the T5 Urban Center transect and that the city’s composite zoning ordinance defines smoke shops as a retail subcategory that is restricted from locating within 1,000 feet of a public school. Staff noted the site sits about 620 feet from the Leander Extended Opportunity (LEO) Center, a disciplinary alternative education campus that a public speaker, Anita Chomnovich, said is covered by Texas Health and Safety Code sections cited at the hearing.

The commission’s discussion focused on two points: compliance with the 1,000‑foot school buffer in the composite zoning ordinance and compatibility with Old Town Leander’s walkable, family‑oriented character. Several commissioners said the distance to the LEO Center and to Leander Middle School weighs heavily against approval. Commissioner Mahan, who moved to deny, said the proximity to the LEO Center made the decision an “easy no.” Commissioner Lantrip seconded the motion; the chair called the question and the motion carried 5–1.

Applicant Saif Khaled Sadat attended the hearing and told the commission his business had obtained state licenses for tobacco and e‑cigarette sales and that staff would check IDs and refuse sales to underage customers. Sadat said he relied on earlier email guidance from a city planner indicating retail sale of new goods could be allowed under the site’s T5 zoning and that he had already spent money on rent and interior build‑out while awaiting formal approvals.

Planning staff had recommended approving a time‑limited special‑use permit with conditions to keep exterior signage and building treatments consistent with Old Town standards. The commission declined that approach and denied the special‑use permit; staff and the applicant confirmed the commission’s decision will be forwarded to City Council, which has final authority on ordinance cases and special‑use permits.

What happens next: The denial by the Planning and Zoning Commission will be included in the case record when the applicant may appeal or present the project to City Council. Staff recommended options and conditions during the hearing and said the council discussion may revisit signage and distance standards.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the commission meeting record and include planning staff, the applicant and public commenters. Exact statutory references and zoning case identifiers were read into the record during the hearing.