Newport News Planning Commission Advances Vape Shop Regulations
City Council to decide Sept. 23 on zoning rules for retail establishments
The Newport News Planning Commission voted this week to recommend approval of two zoning text amendments aimed at regulating vape shops. The proposed rules would establish a formal definition for vape shops, identify where they may operate, and set restrictions intended to address concerns about youth exposure and community impacts.
One amendment defines vape shops as establishments where at least 50 percent of inventory or sales revenue comes from vaping products. The measure also sets operational standards, such as requiring clear windows, prohibiting drive-thru service, and restricting locations within 2,000 feet of schools and daycare centers.
A companion amendment would add vape shops to the city’s zoning ordinance as a permitted use in the C1 Retail Commercial and C2 General Commercial districts.
Rationale for Regulations
Planning staff told commissioners the city has seen a noticeable rise in vape shops, prompting concerns about clustering, advertising, and youth access. Unlike general retail, vape shops currently have no distinct classification in the zoning ordinance.
The proposed standards would not ban vape shops outright but would limit their concentration near sensitive areas. Existing shops would be allowed to remain in place under grandfathering provisions, though new regulations would apply if they closed for more than 24 months.
Next Steps
The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the proposed regulations at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. If adopted, the changes would provide clear local standards while coordinating with state rules on tobacco and nicotine sales.
A Newport News Daily contributor used AI tools and these sources:
Agenda - Newport News Planning Commission meeting - September 3, 2025
Video - Newport News Planning Commission meeting - September 3, 2025