BY BEN THOMPSON & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Leander weighs smoke shop, lounge zoning Since January, Leander leaders have been work- ing to put regulations in place for the operation of vape shops and smoke lounges within the city. On June 20, council approved city staff’s pro- posed amendment to the zoning ordinance, which provides updated definitions, and adds uses and criteria for these businesses in Leander city limits. The specifics Per staff’s recommendation, a vape or smoke shop where products are sold would be considered a retail use zoned as local commercial, Executive Director of Development Services Robin Griffin said. However, if the business is a lounge where the products are being used, it would be zoned as heavy commercial, she said. For example, a hookah lounge would be zoned as heavy commercial. Previously, there were no zoning restrictions surrounding these businesses.
Summers likely to be hotter, per research As Austin gears up for another hot summer, new projections suggest the city will grow warmer with summer highs rising by as much as 10 degrees by the end of the century. The big picture Researchers with the UT-City Climate CoLab suggested more hot days, fewer cold days and more extreme weather swings are likely as the climate and local population continue to change. This year, researchers said Austin’s sum- mer will likely be hotter than normal with “weather extremes and swings” from wet to dry periods stemming from La Niña con- ditions. Overall, the summer could feature many days that end up in the 105-110 degree range—well above the 30-year seasonal average of 95.13 degrees.
Defining differences Vape or smoke shop
• Previous zoning: Not defined • New zoning: Local commercial • Mandatory distance from schools: 1,000 ft. Smoke lounge • Previous zoning: Not defined • Zoning category: Heavy commercial • Mandatory distance from schools: 1,000 ft. Cosmetic services • Previous zoning: Not defined • Zoning category: Local commercial • Mandatory distance from schools: N/A
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Also of note The proposed amendment also addresses cosmetic services businesses, which offer eyelash extensions, microblading, Botox, chemical peels and more. Griffin said those uses will now be zoned as local commercial to help broaden options.
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