The specifics
Under the current zoning ordinance, smoke shops are subject to the same requirements as other retail establishments.
The amendment defines a smoke shop as a new commercial land use, “the primary business of which is the selling, sampling or exhibiting of tobacco products, smokeless tobacco products, liquid nicotine, e-cigarettes ... and other smoking-related supplies, devices or accessories.”
According to the new zoning ordinance, smoke shops would be prohibited within 1,000 feet of:
- Residences
- Schools
- Places of worship
- Hospitals
- Licensed child care centers
- Other smoke shops
The city has given notice to 41 existing smoke shops that would be in violation of the proposed zoning ordinance.
John Lettelleir, director of development services for the city of Frisco, said current businesses would fall under the city’s non-conforming use policy, which would allow them to remain operational but place certain limitations on expansion and rebuilding.
If City Council adopts the ordinance, any future smoke shops would have to comply with the conditional development standards.
The backstory
Mayor Jeff Cheney said the amendment is based on feedback from citizens who are concerned about the proliferation of smoke shops in Frisco, especially those near schools.
The process to regulate smoke shops in Frisco started nearly two years ago, council member Laura Rummel said.
City Council previously discussed the amendment at a work session Oct. 21, and the amendment received a recommendation of approval from the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission at a Dec. 10 meeting.
Next steps
Following the recommendation of approval, city staff will prepare a final draft of the ordinance for the council to vote on next month.
