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Council adopts zoning changes to regulate retail tobacco and hemp; sets 1,000-foot buffers near schools and parks
Summary
Richmond City Council approved an ordinance adding retail sales of tobacco and hemp to the zoning code as a conditional use in select districts and imposing a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, parks and places of worship, a first step to limit new vape and tobacco retail locations.
Richmond City Council adopted an ordinance that establishes retail sales of tobacco and hemp as a defined use in the city’s zoning code and allows such businesses only as conditional uses in certain zoning districts with restrictions. Planning staff said the ordinance adds a new classification and includes conditions such as a 1,000-foot buffer from residential areas, schools, parks and places of worship.
Kim J. Bong, director of Planning and Development Review, said the ordinance references Code of Virginia definitions for tobacco and hemp and that staff recommended approval. Councilmembers said they planned to add future local definitions in code updates so the zoning text would not automatically track future state statutory changes.
Speakers at the public hearing supported the measure as a tool to limit vape shops near schools. Katrina Kamali said from the Fourth District that Lucille Brown Middle School is visible from several vape shops and that “normalizing” the retail presence is a public-health concern for children.
Councilmembers praised city staff and requested follow-up work to address existing stores; the ordinance applies only to new locations and does not close existing businesses. The ordinance passed on a recorded roll-call vote with members present voting in favor.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-157 (retail sale of tobacco and hemp added to zoning as conditional use with buffer restrictions) — adopted (unanimous roll call vote).
