Salina Planning Commission May Revisit Vape Shop Zoning Rules

The Salina Planning Commission may soon take another look at zoning rules related to vape shops.

During the public forum portion of the commission’s May 5 meeting, Commissioner Chad Farber raised the issue of vape shop saturation in the region. Farber said the commission had previously asked for some type of report on the subject and said he would still like to see information brought forward.

Planning Manager Dustin Michelson said staff could prepare information for a future Planning Commission agenda within the next few regular meetings.

Commissioner Justin Rogers also noted that it had been about a year since he asked about potentially expanding the radius requirements for proposed vape shops.

Michelson said that type of change would likely require a zoning text amendment. The process would begin with a preliminary discussion item before the Planning Commission. From there, commissioners could decide whether they want staff to formally initiate a text amendment application.

Michelson also noted that staff would need to consider timing, since a broader zoning code rewrite is expected in the next few years.

No formal action was taken during the May 5 meeting. However, staff indicated they would begin putting information together for future discussion.

The issue could return to the Planning Commission in the coming months, giving commissioners another opportunity to review how vape shops are regulated in Salina and whether current spacing rules should be changed.