BRENHAM PLANNING & ZONING RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF SMOKE/VAPE SHOP RESTRICTIONS

  

Brenham Planning and Zoning Commissioners on Monday unanimously recommended approval of a set of text amendments to city code pertaining to smoke and vape shops.

The amendments create specific definitions for smoke and vape shops and restrict them to operating in the B-2 Commercial, Research and Technology District and the Industrial District.  The amendments also set distance requirements for those businesses of at least 300 feet from single-family residential uses and 1,000 feet from public and private schools, day care centers, public parks, religious facilities, hospitals, and other smoke or vape shops currently in business.

Commissioners also directed city staff to evaluate the zoning ordinance’s non-conforming use standards – or grandfather clause – in relation to the proposed amendments and the ordinance in general.  This followed discussion about whether the city should allow a grandfathering period for smoke and vape shops operating in areas that would become restricted through these amendments.  

Lounge uses, such as cigar or hookah lounges, would not be impacted by the regulations, since those businesses are meant for consumption by adults 21 and older and are not solely for the sale of e-cigarettes or tobacco products.  The city is not looking to limit smoke and vape shops’ operating hours.

No one from the public spoke during a public hearing for the item, which will be presented to the Brenham City Council for formal approval at a later date.

Also on Monday, the commission approved a replat request from Sanvaez Properties LLC for 0.215 acres at 1005 Nelson Street.  The property owner wishes to develop the vacant land with a single-family residence.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Monday's meeting.