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Planning commission delays ordinance to restrict smoke shops after heated public hearing
Summary
After hours of staff presentation and a crowded public comment period, the Fresno City Planning Commission continued a council‑initiated text amendment that would create new permitting, location and operating rules for smoke shops and limit their number in the city.
The Fresno City Planning Commission on Monday took up a city‑council‑initiated text amendment (P.23‑03410) to add new definitions, operating rules and permitting requirements for smoke shops and to replace existing tobacco sales rules. After two hours of presentation and nearly as much public comment, commissioners continued the item for further revisions and community engagement and set a return date for the matter.
What the draft would do: Planning staff summarized the major changes in the draft ordinance. The proposed amendment would: - Add new definitions ("smoke and vapor products," "smoking paraphernalia," "smoke shop" and clarify "tobacco retailer"). - Require new smoke shops to obtain a conditional use permit (CUP) and a valid business license; establish an amortization for existing smoke shops with an 18‑month period to convert or close (extensions possible under criteria); - Cap smoke shops at seven per City Council district (49 citywide); - Prohibit smoke shops within 1,000 feet of sensitive uses (schools,…
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