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Santa Ana introduces ordinance to regulate smoke shops after staff cites enforcement problems
Summary
Council approved first reading of a zoning ordinance amendment and inspection fee to regulate smoke shops citywide, establishing conditional‑use permitting, separation buffers from schools and residences, and operating standards; staff cited doubling of shops and nearly 1,000 PD calls for service in 2025.
The Santa Ana City Council introduced a zoning ordinance amendment and adopted a fee resolution on first reading to regulate smoke shops in commercial zones, voting 7–0 to move the measure forward to second reading.
Planning staff told the council that since January 1, 2024 the number of smoke shops has more than doubled in Santa Ana and that most are in close proximity to sensitive uses such as schools, parks and residences. Staff recommended defining ‘‘smoke shop’’ narrowly (enclosed storefront uses rather than mobile vending), requiring a conditional use permit in commercial zoning districts, and applying separation requirements — generally 1,000 feet from youth‑centered uses and between smoke shops and 500 feet from residential property.
The proposal includes development and operating standards to protect health and safety: a 21+ age limit, limitations on product displays, additional exterior lighting, litter and graffiti removal, prohibitions on in‑store vending machines and gambling, staff training requirements, security and surveillance, limits on hours of operation, and mandatory inspections covered by the proposed fee resolution.
Planning staff and police described enforcement challenges at some existing stores. The police department reported 12 investigations in 2025 leading to search warrants and the discovery of nitrous oxide ("whippets"), flavored tobacco products it said were prohibited, illegal gambling machines and other narcotics. Ali, Director of Planning and Building, said approximately 43 smoke‑shop locations exist and that proposed fees would cover inspection staffing costs.
The ordinance was introduced for first reading and will return for second reading and adoption at the next scheduled council meeting. If adopted, the zoning change will make smoke shops subject to conditional approvals, new operating standards and ongoing inspections.
