Commission tightens rules for smoke shops, increases distance and buffer requirements

The City Commission adopted an updated ordinance Oct. 21 that specifically regulates retail “smoke shop” uses and increases buffer distances to reduce clustering of tobacco and vape shops.

Staff explained the change was needed because state rules do not set distance requirements and previous local code permitted many such stores to cluster. The new code establishes a separate definition for retail smoke shops and increases the separation between similar shops to 1,000 feet. Sensitive uses — including schools and hospitals — receive additional buffers as described in the ordinance.

Commissioners said the ordinance was intended to limit clustering and give the city more control over where smoke shops can locate. Police representatives said the department enforces age restrictions and reviews incident data tied to problem sites.

The ordinance passed on second reading; commissioners also asked staff to pursue enforcement and to monitor whether related businesses cited by police should have business-tax-receipts suspended.

What’s next: Staff will apply the new distance rules to future applications and return with recommendations for enforcement actions against businesses with repeated police incidents.