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Council approves special-use permit for relocating vapor store on Lakeview Parkway, 5–2
Summary
Rowlett City Council voted 5–2 to grant a special-use permit allowing an existing vapor store to relocate to a 1,000 sq ft suite at 8120 Lakeview Parkway. Councilmembers discussed proliferation of vape shops and noted the relocation does not add a new store to the city’s count.
Rowlett City Council on Sept. 9 approved a special-use permit (item 3F) allowing a vapor-store business to relocate to Suite 200 at 8120 Lakeview Parkway. The motion passed 5–2.
Staff reminded council that Ordinance 27-22 (adopted in Aug. 2022) requires special-use permits for businesses selling cigarettes, vapor products and CBD products to manage location and minimize adverse effects. The relocation was presented as a move by an existing operator to a locally owned retail building; the applicant (Robert Wachman) told council he preferred to operate in a locally owned property rather than remain in a space tied to an out-of-state landlord.
Council discussion highlighted the ordinance’s intent to limit proliferation of such uses; at least six similar vapor stores were noted to lie within a two-mile radius of the proposed location. Several council members expressed concern about proliferation of vapor shops across the city and said they would not support new stores that increase the overall number; however, several members said they did not want to punish an existing business seeking to relocate because of lease/landlord issues and that the proposed site is in a commercial corridor appropriate for retail. P&Z had recommended approval 5–0.
The council’s 5–2 vote approved the applicant’s SUP request. Staff said the store must comply with the SUP conditions and the Rowlett development code in subsequent permitting and inspections.
What happens next: The applicant may apply for building and occupancy permits consistent with the SUP and municipal code; any substantial change in use or location from the approved exhibit would require further council action.
