Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Land Use, Planning and Zoning Committee of the City Council met on June 10, 2026, to discuss an ordinance amending regulations for smoke shops and cannabis retail establishments. The proposed changes included increasing buffer distances between these businesses and from schools and daycare centers, as well as prohibiting drive-thru facilities for nicotine retail shops. The ordinance aimed to limit clustering of such businesses and promote neighborhood diversity. Public comments and council discussions raised concerns about the impact on small businesses, the rationale behind the specific distance requirements, and the lack of data linking these businesses to crime. The administration supported the ordinance citing city interests, but the committee requested further data, including crime statistics and nuisance ordinance usage. Ultimately, a motion to pass the ordinance without recommendation failed, and a subsequent motion to not pass the bill was approved, effectively defeating the proposal in committee. The committee also expressed interest in reviewing related state legislation before further action.