Akron planning staff backs ordinance to license and space 'smoke shops'; council questions enforcement and grandfathering

Planning staff on the Akron Planning Commission urged the city to adopt a zoning text amendment that would define “smoke shops,” require a municipal license for new stores that meet that definition, and limit the locations where new shops may open.

The proposal would allow smoke shops in commercial retail districts (U-3 and U-4) but require them to be at least 1 mile from another smoke shop and at least 500 feet from a church, public library, public playground, public community center, public park, school or community learning center. Planning staff said the rule aims to reduce clustering of shops that sell nicotine, kratom and hemp-derived or synthetic cannabinoid products and to discourage retail blight created by oversaturation.

"The continued proliferation of smoke shops encourages unhealthy activities with long-term consequences for individuals and the community," Planning Department presenter Mike Antonucci told the committee, recommending approval alongside the planning commission.

Under the text change, a smoke shop would be defined as any retail establishment where 10% or more of floor, shelf, storage or display area is used to sell listed…