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Council hears business concerns at public hearing on proposed vape and smoke shop zoning
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Summary
City of York held a public hearing on proposed zoning and licensing for vape and smoke shops; a local owner urged council to slow the process and consult affected businesses, while residents asked about mixed-use limits in the draft ordinance. Bills to add definitions and licensing were introduced and will 'sit' for future action.
The City of York Council opened a public hearing on April 21 to take comments on proposed amendments to the zoning code and a separate licensing proposal for vape and smoke shops.
The ordinance amendments would add definitions related to vape and smoke shops to Part 13 of the planning and zoning code, allow vape and smoke shops as a permissible use in the EC district, and establish regulations for operating such businesses within the city. Council members and staff emphasized that tonight was a hearing to receive public comment; no final action was taken.
Why it matters: The change would create a defined regulatory framework and, if adopted, could affect where vape and smoke shops may operate in York and under what conditions. The council later introduced related ordinances (bills 7–8) to add licensing standards and zoning definitions; those measures will be scheduled for future consideration.
Local business owners said they were not consulted. "Businesses like mine were not included in that process," said Mubin Shahid, who identified himself as a York business owner. Shahid urged council to consult affected proprietors before moving the proposal forward and provided an economic-impact estimate: he said a single vape shop generates $800,000 to $1.5 million in annual revenue and contributes roughly $75,000 to over $150,000 a year in taxes across multiple shops. "We are your constituents. We are part of this community. We should be treated equally," he said.
Residents pressed planners about specific regulatory language. Manuel Gomez asked whether the draft ordinance would bar a vape shop from occupying the same parcel as a residential use (for example, an apartment above a commercial storefront). City staff responded that, as drafted, a provision would render a vape shop on the same parcel as a residential unit nonconforming, even if no nearby school or playground existed; the provision would operate independently of proximity-based limits.
Council members and staff encouraged speakers to submit written statements for the record; staff offered to scan Mr. Shahid's materials so they could be included in the public file. Councilmember Queen Washington introduced an ordinance to add licensing standards for smoke and vape shops (bill 7) and an ordinance to amend Part 13 (bill 8) adding definitions and use rules; both bills were introduced and will be considered at a later date.
Next steps: The zoning and licensing proposals will return to council for formal consideration after staff review and the required legislative process. No votes were taken on the substantive ordinance language at the April 21 hearing.
