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Planning commission recommends new zoning standards for THC product sales, including 1,000‑foot separation and sales-threshold definition
Summary
The commission recommended a zoning-text amendment that would create a new 'THC product sales' use (defined as businesses with 50% or more of gross sales from hemp‑derived THC products), add separation requirements and limit as‑of‑right placement to larger multi‑tenant buildings; the motion passed 5–1.
The Rock Hill Planning Commission recommended that City Council adopt a zoning-text amendment to create a new use type for "THC product sales" and add rules to limit concentrations of businesses focused on hemp‑derived THC products. Staff explained that the law governing hemp-derived THC is in flux at the state level and that the city is acting proactively to define the use should state rules allow specialty THC shops.
Under the proposed language, a business whose gross sales are at least 50% from THC products would be categorized as a THC product sales use and subject to additional location and separation rules. Staff described separation standards that mirror other sensitive-use spacing: 1,000 feet from other THC product sales uses with no reductions permitted near residences, religious institutions, daycares, schools or public parks. The draft would allow THC product sales by right only in certain industrial/mixed districts or by special exception in select commercial districts; staff said typical retail outlets that sell a small number of hemp beverages or gummies would remain retail and not be classified as a THC product sales use.
"If it's 50% or more of their sales, that's what we're looking at," staff said, explaining the sales-based threshold. Commissioners questioned enforcement and how the city would monitor sales composition; staff said business licensing and records could be used to verify compliance. The commission moved to recommend the amendment and carried the motion (recorded voice vote showed support, 5–1). Staff noted there are not currently stand‑alone THC shops operating in Rock Hill but that some retail outlets sell hemp‑derived THC products under the current regulatory gray area. The amendment will be forwarded to City Council for consideration.
