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WHEREAS, Code Enforcement and Police Department enforcement have <br /> observed unlawful activities at smoke shops that directly impact community character, <br /> public health, and public safety; and <br /> WHEREAS, unlawful nuisance activities observed at smoke shop establishments <br /> include, but are not limited to, storage of banned substances such as nitrous oxide, <br /> whippets, and flavored tobacco; illegal gambling operations; sale of unregulated goods <br /> such as psychedelic mushrooms, kratom, and hemp; loitering; littering; and crime linked <br /> to cash-based operations; and <br /> WHEREAS, between August 2025, when Code Enforcement data specific to <br /> smoke shops was first collected, and January 2026, Code Enforcement personnel issued <br /> two (2) Notices and Orders, five (5) Notices of Violation, and ten (10) administrative <br /> citations for unpermitted work, unpermitted substance sales, and operation without <br /> licensing and/or certification; and <br /> WHEREAS, Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-01 is consistent with various <br /> goals and policies of the General Plan, specifically, this action is consistent with Land Use <br /> (LU) Element Goal LU-3 (Compatibility of Uses), which is intended to preserve the <br /> character and integrity of existing neighborhoods; Policy LU-3.3 (Enforcement of <br /> Standards), which aims to maintain a robust and proactive code enforcement program <br /> that partners with community stakeholders and is responsive to community needs; Policy <br /> LU-3.8 (Sensitive Receptors), which endeavors to avoid placing noxious or hazardous <br /> uses in close proximity to sensitive land uses; Policy LU-4.6 (Healthy Living Conditions) <br /> which encourages land use decisions that promote healthy lifestyles; Community (CM) <br /> Element Goal CM-3 (Active Living and Well-Being), which promotes the health and <br /> wellness of all residents; Policy CM-3.2 (Healthy Neighborhoods), which supports the <br /> creation of healthy neighborhoods by addressing public safety, land use conflicts, and <br /> incompatible uses; and Economic Prosperity (EP) Element Policy EP-2.3 <br /> (Complementary Businesses), which encourages the development of mutually beneficial <br /> and complementary business clusters within the community; and <br /> WHEREAS, on February 9, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed <br /> public hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public <br /> testimony concerning Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-01, at which time the <br /> Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance <br /> with direction that staff evaluate certain definition(s) and location requirements and revise <br /> the proposed ordinance accordingly; and <br /> WHEREAS, on March 3, 2026, the City Council held a duly-noticed public hearing <br /> and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public testimony <br /> concerning the proposed ordinance. <br /> Ordinance No. NS-#### <br /> Page 3 of 17 <br /> City Council 21 — 12 3/3/2026 <br />