Orange to limit tobacco, vape shops
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The city of Orange’s Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council conducted a joint public hearing June 4, proposing an ordinance to prohibit additional tobacco stores, hookah lounges and vape shops within the city.
After consulting with city officials in the nearby city of Sugar Land, where a similar ordinance was recently adopted, Kelvin Knauf, the director of Planning and Community Development, offered an update about how the ordinance was implemented and the response received in Sugar Land. Afterwards, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the ordinance.
The ordinance changes the Land Use Matrix to prohibit tobacco stores and vape shops in any zoning district and makes existing tobacco stores and vape shops “legally non-conforming,” more commonly known as “grandfathered in.” The ordinance recites City Council belief that additional establishment of businesses predominately selling tobacco supplies and other smoking devices are detrimental to the public health, welfare and development of the community.
The first reading of the ordinance was June 11, passed, and approved by a 6-0 vote by City Council; the ordinance is set to be adopted with a final reading scheduled June 25.
“A while back we asked Mr. Knauf to help us find ways to limit vape shops,” said Mayor Larry Spears Jr. “This is a major issue. Children are being injured and the damage it does to their lungs is irreversible.”
The city is currently home to seven specialty smoke shops along Highway 87 and Highway 90.