Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Ordinance Vape Shops topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends ordinance to tighten rules for vape shops, require conditional use permits for new stores
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of ordinance 25‑11 to define "retail stores for recreational substances" and require conditional use permits for new vape shops in several commercial and industrial districts; existing shops would be grandfathered as nonconforming uses.
The planning commission voted to recommend approval of an ordinance amendment that would establish a definition for "retail stores for recreational substances" (commonly called vape shops) and change where such stores are permitted.
Staff told the commission they identified 22 existing locations countywide, concentrated in Ashland and Mechanicsville, and said the proposed amendment would remove tobacco shops as a by‑right use in the B‑1 district and require a conditional use permit for retail recreational‑substance stores in B‑2, B‑3, M‑1 and M‑2 districts. "With a conditional use permit, any new vape shops or retail stores selling recreational substances would have to be reviewed by the planning commission and ultimately reviewed by the board of supervisors," staff said.
Staff also described proposed operational standards — minimum distances from schools, parks and other stores, limits on hours of operation and controls on exterior lighting — and noted that existing vape shops would be treated as nonconforming uses that could continue to operate but could not expand and could not be replaced by a new vape shop if they close for two or more years.
Commissioner Abbott moved that the planning commission recommend approval of ordinance 25‑11 as proposed; Commissioner Martin seconded and the commission voted by voice with no opposition to recommend approval.
