Administrative
Report
L.1., File # 25-1686 Meeting Date: 12/9/2025
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: MARC WIENER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER TERMINATION OF THE URGENCY ORDINANCE IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON SMOKE SHOPS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858 COMMENSURATE WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATES OF THE CITY’S NEW SMOKE SHOP REGULATIONS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 3310-25
PROCEDURES:
1. Open the public hearing, take testimony and deliberate;
2. Close the public hearing; and
3. Approve the termination of Urgency Ordinance imposing a moratorium on development of smoke shops.
TERMINATION OF URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 3294-25 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, IMPOSING A MORATORIUM ON DEVELOPMENT OF
SMOKE SHOPS IN THE CITY AND FINDING THE TERMINATION IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In May of 2025, the City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance placing a moratorium on new smoke shops in the City to allow for preparation of a more comprehensive regulatory framework pertaining to smoke shop operation. On December 2, 2025, the City Council adopted a permanent smoke shop and tobacco sales ordinance (Ord No. 3310-25), generally effective January 1, 2026. It is now time to terminate the moratorium. The proposed ordinance terminating the moratorium would take effect commensurate with the implementation of the City’s new smoke shop regulations.
BACKGROUND
On May 6, 2025, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 3294-25 placing a 45-day moratorium on new smoke shops to be in effect while a permanent ordinance was being prepared. A 10 month and 15-day extension of the Urgency Ordinance was approved by the City Council on June 10, 2025.
On December 2, 2025, the City Council adopted a permanent smoke shop and tobacco sales ordinance (Ord No. 3310-25), which goes into effect 30 days after adoption. As a result of the adoption of the permanent Ordinance, staff has prepared a termination of Urgency Ordinance No. 3294-25 for the City Council’s consideration. Termination of the Urgency Ordinance for inland areas will go into effect on January 1, 2025 and the termination will go into effect for the Coastal Zone upon
L.1., File # 25-1686 Meeting Date: 12/9/2025
will go into effect on January 1, 2025 and the termination will go into effect for the Coastal Zone upon certification of the permanent Ordinance by the California Coastal Commission, or on April 25, 2026, whichever occurs first.
COORDINATION
The Community Development Department coordinated the recommended termination of Urgency Ordinance with the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the preparation of this report and the documentation required for the termination of the Urgency Ordinances is available in the FY 2025-26 Operating Budget for the Community Development Department and the City Attorney’s Office.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Ord - Termination of Urgency Ordinance No. 3294-25
· Ord - No. 3294-25 Urgency Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on Smoke Shops, May 6, 2025 · Ord - No. 3310-25 Amending Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 1, to add Section 10-2.402(A)(167.5); Amending Title 10, Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 10-5.402(A); Amending Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 4, to add Section 10-2.1641; Amending Title 10, Chapter 5, Article 4, to add Section 10-5.1639; Amending Title 10, Chapter 2, Article 4, Section 10-2.1626(B); Amending Title 10, Chapter 5, Article 4, Section 10-5.1626(B); Amending Title 1, Chapter 2, Section 1-2.03; Amending Title 5, Chapter 9, Article 2, Section 5-9.204(A)(4) Pertaining to the Zoning, Regulation And Enforcement of Smoke Shops And Tobacco Sales, December 2, 2025