Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Vape Shop Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors adopt ordinance limiting vape and smoke shops near schools and day cares
Summary
Following staff recommendation, the Board adopted a zoning amendment prohibiting vape/smoke shops and lounges within 1,000 feet of child day care centers and public/private/parochial schools, overriding a narrow Planning Commission recommendation against the draft ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors adopted an amendment to the county zoning ordinance that prohibits vape and smoke shops and vape/smoke lounges within 1,000 linear feet of child day care centers and public, private or parochial schools.
Planning staff said the change follows a Code of Virginia amendment effective April 5, 2024, which authorizes localities to regulate the location of retail establishments selling tobacco or hemp products intended for smoking. Paul Holt (staff) reviewed the prior 2023 ordinance definitions and explained the staff recommendation to add a specially regulated section imposing the 1,000‑foot separation.
Stephen Rogers, representing the Planning Commission, told the board the commission debated the proposal closely and recommended denial by a 3–2 margin on the grounds that zoning typically regulates land uses and activities rather than specific products; Rogers noted similar rules exist in other localities. Several supervisors questioned whether the ordinance unfairly targeted a product rather than a business use.
After discussion, the board voted to adopt the ordinance and set the 1,000‑foot standard. The vote was taken by roll call and the motion carried.
