Wauwatosa planning panel backs zoning limits on vape and tobacco shops, 6-0

The Wauwatosa Planning Commission voted 6-0 to forward a proposed amendment to Title 24 of the city zoning code that would regulate locations of cigarette, cigar, tobacco and electronic vaping retail establishments.

The amendment, introduced by planning staff and sponsored by Alder Brandon, would broaden the definition of "tobacco shops" to expressly include vape and e‑cigarette products and cannabis products, lower the threshold for secondary tobacco sales from 25 percent of retail area to 10 percent, prohibit smoke retailers in commercial zones and allow them only in industrial zones with a conditional use permit. It would also require retailers be at least 1,000 feet from daycares, K‑12 schools and public parks, impose a minimum one‑mile separation between such establishments, and require a sign plan as part of the conditional…