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Board repeals tobacco-retailer land-use ordinance after narrow 3–2 vote
Summary
After several hearings and a planning commission recommendation to pursue a more balanced approach later, the board voted 3–2 to repeal Ordinance 52-10, removing the tobacco retailer land-use matrix from county code. Supporters cited economic and regulatory overlap with state rules; opponents urged retention or modification to protect youth.
Tim Pitt, senior planner with the long range planning team, told the board the repeal of Ordinance 52-10 would remove the county's tobacco retailer land-use matrix and return retailers to prior zoning rules. Pitt explained the item was being re-heard because of a noticing correction; he also recapped that Ordinances 52-10 and 52-11 were adopted in October 2024 and later extended moratoria.
The planning commission had recommended repeal (4–0) at its March hearing and suggested the board consider a future resolution of intention to pursue a more balanced regulatory approach that accounts for both health/safety and economic impacts. During public comment Ashley Boston (speaker 20), representing Straub Companies' compliance program, said responsible retailers already use ID checks and compliance technology: "We ID everybody under 35. If that customer does not have their ID, they do not get the product." Supervisor Parlin (speaker 11) and Supervisor Lane recorded no votes; the motion to repeal passed 3–2. The motion did not include the planning commission’s additional recommendation to explore a new ROI to balance health and economic impacts.
