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Council directs planning review of ordinance to limit standalone vape, tobacco and liquor shops
Summary
Council agreed to send draft Ordinance 1198 to Planning & Zoning for review; the draft would restrict where standalone vape/tobacco/liquor retailers may locate to limit proximity to schools, parks and residential areas while grandfathering existing businesses unless they cease operations for 18 months.
Staff introduced draft Ordinance 1198, intended to restrict where standalone tobacco, vape and liquor retailers may establish in the city. Brad (staff member) said the draft draws on ordinances other Iowa cities have adopted and seeks to limit new standalone stores near schools, parks and residential neighborhoods while not targeting grocery or convenience stores that sell similar products as an ancillary business.
The police chief described routine underage purchase checks and said compliance issues typically involve standalone shops rather than grocery or restaurant chains. Council members asked whether the city would punish existing businesses; staff clarified that existing operations would be grandfathered unless they ceased operating for 18 months.
John (city staff) explained the ordinance would require an update to the Citys UDO and follow the zoning amendment process: referral to Planning & Zoning for public hearing and recommendation, then three readings and public notice at the council level. The council voted (by motion) to direct staff to refer the draft to Planning & Zoning for review and public hearing.
Next steps: Planning & Zoning review, public hearing, then council readings and possible adoption if recommended.
