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RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
Land Use CommitteeApril 13, 2026Tobacco Retail (Smoke Shops)COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTPC-2025-01190 (Zoning Text Amendment) RiversideCA.gov2
Land Use committee direction to amend Code -ProhibitionBACKGROUNDAB 3218 bans sale of flavored tobaccoAdopt RMC Chapter 6.24 -Licensure of Tobacco Retailer2006Update RMC Chapter 6.24 to Permitting of Tobacco Retail Establishments1-year moratorium on tobacco retail permit issuance and renewal202120242025Blue Zones Riverside Project initiatedPlanning Commission hearing and recommendation2026 2 4/1/2026
RiversideCA.gov3
BACKGROUND
Known locations with active tobacco retail use226
Locations verified by RPD to be operating in compliance181 Meet definition of Smoke Shop per Zoning Code31
Reference only
RiversideCA.gov4
RMC CHAPTER 6.24 Tobacco Retail Establishment Permit•Required for all tobacco retailers•Nontransferable•Renewed every 2 years•Must obey all applicable local, state, and federal laws•No sales between the hours of 2:00am and 6:00am•Permits may be revoked if violation is determined•Operators without necessary permits are subject to closure of the facility Image source: pa-tobaccomerchanted.org
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RiversideCA.gov5
RMC TITLE 19 – ZONING CODETobacco retail considered “retail sales”•Retail sales permitted all commercial and mixed-use zones•No operating standards, site standards, or land use permits specific to tobacco retail Image source: koronapos.com
RMC Smoke Shop Definition:A business with sales of tobacco, either loose or prepared as cigarettes and products for the smoking of tobacco constituting more than 30 percent of gross sales and/or 30 percent of net lease area RMC Retail Sales Definition:A commercial enterprise that provides goods and/or services directly to the consumer. Where such goods are normally available for immediate purchase and removal form the premises by the purchaser RiversideCA.gov6
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION•Amend Permitted Uses Table to identify Smoke Shops as a separately regulated use•Allowed in all zones that permit retail •Create new chapter specific to smoke shops requiring:•Minimum 100 feet from residential•Minimum 600 feet from schools, parks, day cares and places of worship•Minimum 1,000 feet from other smoke shopsImage source: New York Times Image source: Countertools.orgOPTIONAL: Amortization•Per LUC direction, three-year amortization period after which smoke shops must close•Draft language includes provisions for hardship extensions and appeals 4 4/1/2026
RiversideCA.gov7
REFERENCE SLIDEStrategy 1.1 Adopt comprehensive tobacco-free outdoor space policies, including signage.Strategy 1.2 Adopt restrictions on smoking and vaping at outdoor bars and restaurants. Strategy 2.1 Limit the location of tobacco and vape retail outlets in proximity to youth-oriented places, such as schools and parks. Strategy 2.2 Prohibit the sale of the flavored tobacco and nicotine projects, including menthol products. Strategy 3.1 Integrate tobacco treatment systems change within all types of healthcare settings, including behavioral health.Strategy 3.2 Require retail outlets that sell tobacco and vape products to post graphic warning and cessation messages near tobacco-product displays and/or at the point of sale.
RiversideCA.gov8
REFERENCE SLIDE
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RiversideCA.gov9
That the Land Use Committee:1.Review and provide feedback on proposed amendments to Title 19 (Zoning) of the RMC updating regulations for standalone tobacco retail uses (smoke shops) as recommended by the City Planning Commission.RECOMMENDATIONS