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Council approves multi-part zoning amendments for tobacco and hemp retail, including 1,000-foot buffers
Summary
Council adopted a package of text amendments covering definitions, adding tobacco and hemp retail to the highway commercial use table with conditions, and special-use requirements that include a 1,000-foot separation from schools, religious institutions and parks; existing businesses are grandfathered for current size and location.
The Clinton City Council approved a set of related text amendments to the land development ordinance covering tobacco and hemp retail.
Staff explained the package begins with a definitions amendment (presented with input from Joel Starling) that mirrors practices used by other municipalities. "Just the definition," staff said, describing the first hearing as a narrow clarification. The council closed the hearing and approved that definition change.
A subsequent amendment would add tobacco and hemp retail as a permitted use in the highway commercial zoning district — subject to conditions. "This would be a text amendment to allow for tobacco and hemp retail specifically in our ordinance under highway commercial as the permitted use with conditions," staff said.
The council also approved special-use requirements intended to limit proximity of these retailers to sensitive uses. Staff described the special-use rule as requiring tobacco and hemp retail to be 1,000 feet from religious institutions, schools, day-care centers, libraries, public parks and recreation facilities. Staff clarified existing facilities are grandfathered for their current size and location, but any expansion or new retail will need to meet the new requirements.
Council members approved each amendment by voice vote during the meeting. The transcript does not provide final ordinance numbers; staff and council characterized these as policy changes to tighten the rules around tobacco and hemp retail and to align the city with similar municipal standards.
