BY 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.
Liberty Hill could start collecting hotel occupancy tax funds Liberty Hill City Council discussed passing an ordinance to include hotel occupancy tax in the city’s code June 12. The gist City Attorney Joseph Crawford said the ordinance was drafted to encompass all businesses allowed by state law, which includes short-term rentals. Local govern- ments can levy hotel taxes, generally at rates up to 7%. The areas these entities will be allowed to go are not included in this ordinance, Crawford said. “While we’re waiting on those zoning and business regulations, [this is] just to have the tax flipped on,” he said.
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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