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Health and zoning update: city works to restore vape detectors and consider zoning and licensing for vape shops
Summary
Task force heard that only nine of 24 school vape detectors are currently online while BOE IT and City IT work with the vendor. The group also discussed a proposed zoning amendment to restrict vape-shop locations and a new $700 annual registration fee for such businesses.
Members reviewed two related topics: school vape detectors and a proposed ordinance to restrict vape-store location and require registration. A speaker reported that last school year all 24 detectors were online but in the current school year only nine are reporting; Board of Education IT and City IT are working with the vendor but no ETA for restoring full coverage was available. The same speaker confirmed that detector data had been received from the school safety officer and would be used once units are back online.
On the business side, the ordinance committee has drafted a proposal to send zoning restrictions to the zoning commission to limit vape-store expansion by proximity (discussed measurement ~1,000 feet from certain sensitive uses such as schools or churches). The proposal also includes a licensing/registration fee of $700 annually for vape-type retail businesses to improve tracking and provide a potential deterrent. Members discussed restricting flashing or colored lighting at storefronts as part of the zoning approach.
Members noted public testimony at a recent council meeting from the Board of Education and the health director about risks to young people; zoning was described as the appropriate venue to limit business expansion by use. The task force did not vote on the ordinance but planned to check the city council agenda and follow the zoning process.
