Planning Commission recommends zoning amendment to define and allow "smoke shops" in C2 district

The Mount Lebanon Planning Commission voted June 16 to recommend a text amendment to Chapter 20 of the municipal code to define "smoke shops," permit them as a conditional use in the C2 (commercial) district, and add use-specific regulations.

The recommendation came after staff said the ordinance had been revised to reflect the board's earlier suggestions and sent to Alageney County for the review required under the municipalities planning code. "The revised ordinance was sent to Alageney County for their comment as required under the municipalities planning code and we did receive a comment letter back from the county," said Commissioner Ian McMans.

The change would add a definition and specific restrictions for smoke shops in the C2 district; the planning board is a recommending body and its favorable vote sends the revised ordinance to the municipal governing body for final action. A commissioner moved that the board "recommend this ordinance," the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript.

Why it matters: zoning text amendments define what commercial activities are allowed and under what conditions. If the municipal governing body adopts the recommended changes, property owners and developers in the C2 district would be able to apply for conditional-use permits for smoke shops subject to any conditions set by the governing body.

Next steps: the matter will proceed to the municipal governing body for consideration; the planning board's role on June 16 was advisory only.