The town council of Front Royal is taking proactive steps to regulate vape stores within the community. During a recent work session attended by Mayor Lori A. Cockrell, Vice Mayor R. Wayne Sealock, and several council members, plans were discussed to draft an ordinance that would control the location and operating hours of vape shops. Notably, at least two council members advocated for requiring special-use permits for these establishments.
Key Points:
- Drafting New Ordinances:
- Special-Use Permits: Council members, including Melissa A. DeDomenico-Payne and Amber F. Morris, expressed a desire to implement special-use permits for vape shops, moving away from allowing them by right in certain zoning districts.
- Preventing Vacancy: The push for regulation is partly motivated by the town’s recent issues with vacant buildings, particularly in Front Royal, aiming to prevent unused properties from deteriorating.
- Ordinance Development Process:
- Collaboration with Planning Commission: Director of Planning and Zoning, Lauren Kopishke, outlined that any proposed ordinance would first be developed in collaboration with the Planning Commission and must undergo a public approval process, including hearings.
- Existing Vape Stores:
- Grandfather Clause: The proposed regulations will not impact the 17 existing vape stores in Front Royal, allowing them to continue operating under current licenses.
- Additional Agenda Items:
- Infrastructure and Budget: Discussions included purchases for highway maintenance, police vehicle replacements, and a budget increase to accommodate funds from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
- Contracts and Reclassifications: The town is set to award a contract to Stantec Consulting Services for reviewing utility rates and consider reclassifying a vacant parcel on W. Strasburg Road from a Community Business District to a Residential District.
- Artistic and Development Projects: Applications were received for an artistic mural project and water and sewer services for industrial properties, reflecting ongoing development and beautification efforts.
- Personnel and Legal Matters: In closed sessions, the council addressed personnel issues and consulted on a lawsuit involving the town and Front Royal Limited Partnership.
Council’s Stance and Future Steps: Mayor Cockrell emphasized that while the town cannot impose a temporary ban on vape shops, the new ordinance aims to establish long-term regulations to manage their presence effectively. Council member H. Bruce Rappaport highlighted the importance of the ordinance having “teeth,” referencing the stringent regulations in the town of Quantico as a model.
The town council’s proactive approach signifies a balanced effort to regulate emerging businesses like vape stores while addressing broader community and infrastructural needs. Public input and transparency will continue to play crucial roles as the ordinance moves through the drafting and approval stages.