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RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
City Council July 14, 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 hearingFeb2026Land Use Committee reviewCity Council hearingApril2026Today1 2 2
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RiversideCA.gov3
BACKGROUND
Known locations with active tobacco retail use214
Meet definition of Smoke Shop per Zoning Code41
Smoke shops with compliance issues 24
Reference onlyJune 2026:
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.org3
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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
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS•Create new Chapter 19.405 (Tobacco Retail – Smoke Shops):•Minimum separation from:•Residential –100 feet•Schools, parks, day cares and places of worship –1,000 feet•Other smoke shops –1,000 feetImage source: New York Times•Establish amortization policyfor non-compliant locations:•2-year deadline to relocate or cease operation•Provisions for financial hardship extension•Amend Permitted Uses Table to identify Smoke Shops as a separately regulated use•Allowed in all zones that permit retail 5 6 4
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SENSITIVE RECEPTORS MAPImage source: New York Times
Locations that do not meet sensitive receptor separation22 Locations that do not meet separation from other smoke shop17 Locations that comply with proposed amendments6MAP TK
RiversideCA.gov8
OUTREACH & IMPLEMENTATIONImage source: New York Times•Direct mailed notification to:•All tobacco retail permit holders•All registered business tax certificate holders for smoke shops•All owners of properties on which a smoke shop is located•General Notice of Hearing –Press-Enterprise•Identification and notification of specific businesses subject to amortization•Coordination with Code Enforcement, RPD, Economic Development on compliance and relocation assistance•Potential collaboration with Blue Zones Project Riverside to develop program to help businesses transition to healthier modelsOutreachImplementation7 8 5
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RiversideCA.gov9
ALTERNATIVESImage source: New York Times•Modify applicable sensitive uses•Fewer areas subject to separation minimums•Modify minimum separation distances•Fewer businesses impacted •Extend amortization period•More time to achieve compliance•Remove amortization provisions•Proposed amendments apply to new businesses only RiversideCA.gov10
That the City Council:1.Determinethat Planning Case PC-2025-01190 (Zoning Text Amendment) is exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act Review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule), as it can be seen with certainty that approval of the project will not have a significant effect on the environment.2.ApprovePlanning Case PC-2025-01190 (Zoning Text Amendment) based on the findings summarized in the Planning Commission Staff Report; and3.Introduceand subsequently adoptthe attached Ordinance amending Title 19 (Zoning) of the Riverside Municipal Code.RECOMMENDATIONS9 10 6
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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. 11