Hoover council adopts zoning rules for consumable hemp stores and schedules licensing hearing

The Hoover City Council voted to amend the zoning ordinance to regulate the sale of consumable hemp products by creating a specific use classification and requiring conditional‑use approval in designated commercial districts.

City attorney and planning staff explained that the amendment aligns Hoover’s ordinance with recent state law and adds guardrails — such as conditional‑use review, minimum distance buffers from schools, parks and residences, and grandfathering for continuous operations — to avoid uncontrolled proliferation of consumable hemp retail outlets.

A city planning representative said the ordinance is “more stringent than what we had before the temporary moratorium went into place,” and that the change mirrors state definitions and licensing processes. Council discussion focused on which zoning categories will require conditional use approval, distance restrictions from sensitive uses and how existing businesses may be treated under grandfathering provisions.

The council adopted Ordinance 26‑2695 by roll call (6–0). The city then conducted a first reading of Ordinance 26‑2700, which will amend licensing classifications and requirements for consumable hemp products; a public hearing on licensing was set for May 26.

Councilors said the zoning change was paired with future licensing rules to provide both land‑use and consumer protections while the city develops detailed permit requirements.