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Henrico supervisors replace 'vaping shop' use with regulated 'recreational substances retail store'
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted an ordinance to remove references to "vaping shops" from the zoning code and create a new regulated use type, "recreational substances retail store," allowed by provisional use permit in certain commercial and industrial districts and subject to distance limits from sensitive uses.
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 16 unanimously adopted an ordinance that removes references to "vaping shops" from county code and establishes a new use type, "recreational substances retail store," regulated by use-specific standards and provisional use permits in B-3 and M-1 zoning districts. County Attorney Andrew R. Newby summarized the staff work that led to the ordinance and the board voted without opposition.
The ordinance defines distance limits and operational restrictions: a recreational substances retail store must not be located within 1,000 feet of a school or within 2,000 feet of a religious institution, childcare center, public park, or an existing similar store. The code text also specifies minimum off-street parking and includes the use in the county's Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design list of uses requiring a CPTED plan. The Board's action amends multiple sections of the Code of the County of Henrico, including Sections 24-4205, 24-4323, 24-5110, 24-5508, 24-8405, and 24-8501.
The ordinance provides a detailed definition of "recreational substance," including products made with tobacco and nicotine, cannabis products intended for inhalation or ingestion, kratom products, and related consumption devices. The change replaces prior references to "vaping shops" and applies the new standards to future permit reviews; the measure passed on a unanimous vote.
