City Council Hearing: Land Use & Transportation Committee; April 16, 2026

The City Council's Land Use and Transportation Committee convened on April 16, 2026, to discuss two key bills: one regulating smoke shops and another addressing sidewalk accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The committee approved amendments to the smoke shop zoning bill, including provisions to phase out smoke shops near schools and parks over three years, with enforcement considerations discussed. The sidewalk accessibility bill, prompted by a legal settlement, proposes increasing minimum sidewalk widths from four to five feet, requires property owners to ensure sidewalk compliance upon property transfer or construction permits, and mandates random inspections. Committee members raised concerns about enforcement readiness, the financial burden on property owners, and technical standards for sidewalks and street infrastructure. The bill was not finalized, with plans for further discussions and potential amendments involving the Department of Transportation and other stakeholders.