Commissioners approve adding vape, hemp and tobacco retail to special-use permit list; fee schedule to be updated

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted to add vape, hemp and tobacco retail shops to the county’s list of uses that require a special-use permit.

Planning staff explained the change stems from a previously discussed vape ordinance; to require a special-use permit for new vape shops, the county must also add the use to the zoning list of regulated uses. Commissioners asked about the fee level and enforcement for existing shops.

Planning staff advised a special-use permit application fee would be added to the department’s fee schedule. Staff said similar special-use application fees have ranged from $500 for smaller items to $1,000–$1,500 for larger reviews; they suggested a $1,000 special-use permit application fee for a vape shop. Staff also discussed the possibility of annual inspections and inspection fees, similar to those used for mobile‑home-park inspections.

When commissioners queried whether existing shops could be required to obtain the new permit, staff said existing shops would be grandfathered but the ordinance includes a provision requiring shops to relocate away from schools within five years of ordinance enforcement. Staff noted local governments previously could require business licenses, but that authority was removed by the state legislature; special-use permits and inspection fees at time of application remain permissible.

Ending: The motion to approve the zoning amendment and add the special-use requirement passed by vote of the board. Staff will add the fee to the planning fee schedule for inclusion in the next budget cycle.