Planning commission backs ordinance to regulate smoke shops, urges stricter enforcement and buffer zones

The Redondo Beach Planning Commission voted July 17 to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance to regulate smoke shops, requiring a conditional use permit (CUP) for new and existing retailers and establishing an initial cap of 10 citywide that would phase to five over time.

Planning Director Mark Weiner told the commission “there are approximately 15 to 17 smoke shops in Redondo Beach,” and said the draft ordinance responds to compliance concerns and documented instances of illegal product sales at some stores. The proposal directs existing establishments to obtain a CUP within five years; staff said the city would process CUPs for existing shops on a first-come, first-served basis and that some shops could be required to cease operations if they fail to secure a permit.

Commissioners said the proposal should be tightened before council action. The commission recommended changes including narrower operating hours, expanded buffers around parks and residential zones, clearer treatment…