Tobacco, Smoke, and Vape Shops

City Council Work Session

Planning Department, Department of Development and Permits, and Police Department
6/13/2023 1
Ongoing Concerns
Raised by
Residents

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Background
• Classified as “Tobacco Stores and Stands”
• Approximately 32 retail locations
• Permitted use in all Business Districts
• “No person less than 21 years of age shall
purchase, attempt to purchase or possess
any tobacco product, including but not
limited to cigarettes, cigars, bidis, rolling
papers, nicotine vapor products, and
alternative nicotine products, and hemp
products intended for smoking.”

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 • Complaint driven
• Selected two shops in each police precinct
• Undercover under-age officer attempted to buy

Police Work
tobacco products from each establishment
• 90% of the businesses sold the product to the
underage officer
• Issued a summons for violating State Code
• Will revisit on a quarterly basis

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 • Governed by the Zoning Ordinance as any other signage
Signage • Complaints regarding window signage and LED lights
• 28 businesses inspected
Inspections

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2

Not in Violation Summons Issued Re-Inspection Scheduled Violation Cleared

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 • Promote the health, safety and general welfare
• Protect and preserve the vitality of commercial
districts and the overall quality of life in
Chesapeake
• Safety from crime

Purpose of
• Ensure compatibility with the surrounding
neighborhood with proper conditions and
safeguards
Zoning • Facilitate harmonious and effective communication
between people and their environment and to
alleviate the proliferation of signs that are
detrimental to the visual environment and
economic vitality of Chesapeake.

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Proposed Text Amendment Changes

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Add definition of Add definition of Establish 1,000- Pedestrian access Glass windows
a “Tobacco, “Marijuana foot distance must remain and doors must
Smoke or Vape Dispensary” requirement unlocked during remain
Shop” • Not permitted in any from: hours of transparent and
• Require a CUP in district • Public or private schools operation not heavily tinted
business districts • Public parks
• Public recreation centers
• Licensed childcare or
day care center
• Other tobacco, smoke,
or vape shops 7
Restricted
Areas

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 • Initiating Resolution for your consideration
tonight in New Business
Next Steps • Planning Commission public hearing in July
• City Council public hearing in August

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Questions?

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