Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee - July7, 2026

The City of St. Louis Housing, Urban Development & Zoning Committee met on September 30, 2026, according to the meeting metadata; the title and transcript also refer to July 7, 2026, as the date of the minutes being approved. The committee considered Board Bill 81, a zoning text amendment that would require smoke shops in F, I, J, K, and L districts to obtain conditional-use approval. The amendment does not change the zoning map or newly prohibit the use. Planning staff and Building Division representatives said conditional-use review would provide public and departmental input, enable operating conditions, and support enforcement, including possible occupancy revocation for violations. The bill passed out of committee with a due-pass recommendation on a 6–0 vote. Members also requested to be added as co-sponsors; no public comments were submitted.

The discussion cited concerns about nuisance activity, illegal or improperly regulated products, sales to minors, and violence near some smoke shops. Staff described coordination among city departments and law-enforcement agencies and said three inspector positions had been identified for hiring, with interviews underway. No contracts, vendor selections, purchasing decisions, or procurement-related spending were identified.