BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Commission has adopted a new ordinance imposing stricter regulations on the location and advertising of vape shops within the county.
Approved during the commission’s meeting on Monday morning, the ordinance prohibits the establishment of vape shops in R1 and R2 residential zones. It also sets significant restrictions on how and where such businesses can operate.
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Speaking on behalf of the Raleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission, Billy Michael outlined key provisions of the ordinance, which was initially passed by the Planning Commission on July 10.
Among the most notable changes, vape shops must now be located at least 5,280 feet (one mile) away from any public or private school or daycare facility.
In addition, the ordinance prohibits the use of marijuana or marijuana-related imagery in outdoor advertising for vape shops.
Other advertising restrictions include a ban on flashing signs or excessive lighting and a maximum signage size of 32 square feet.
All signage must be presented for public review at a hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to installation.
Vape shop operators will also be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit as part of the approval process. If a shop closes for 30 days or more, the business must reapply and undergo the full permitting process again.
The ordinance was developed in coordination with the Raleigh County United for Prevention Policy Committee, which worked closely with the Commission and County Attorney Bill Roop to draft and implement the new regulations.
