PA: Ross Township Passes Vape Shop Ordinance Limiting Expansion
Ross Township, Pennsylvania, has unanimously passed a strict new ordinance to limit the proliferation of vape shops. The law mandates a 3,000-foot buffer between new stores and a 1,000-foot distance from schools and parks, aiming to curb the rapid density of these businesses along McKnight Road.
Local leaders in Ross Township are taking decisive action against the saturation of vape shops in their community. Following a unanimous vote by township commissioners, a new zoning ordinance is now in effect designed to halt the rapid expansion of nicotine retailers. The move comes after officials noticed a surge of new stores clustering along McKnight Road, with some locations opening directly across the street from one another.
Commissioner Denise Rickenbrode stated that the township felt compelled to act after observing the unchecked growth since last June. “We needed to do something,” she explained, emphasizing that the goal is to prevent these businesses from becoming a public nuisance.
The new regulations are strict. While existing shops are grandfathered in and allowed to operate, any future vape shop must be located at least 3,000 feet away from another vape retailer. Additionally, new stores cannot open within 1,000 feet of sensitive areas such as schools, daycares, parks, or churches. The ordinance also explicitly bans drive-thru vape services.
The density of these shops has raised eyebrows among residents. Catherine Augustine, a local mother, expressed surprise at the high number of stores in such a concentrated area. “Nine seems like a lot. They must be really successful, which makes me suspicious,” she noted.
Ross Township’s proactive stance is already influencing neighboring municipalities, who have reached out to learn how they can implement similar restrictions. The commissioners’ advice to other communities is straightforward: act now before the saturation becomes unmanageable.
- Read more: Henrico County Approves Strict Ordinance to Limit Vape Shops
- News source: Ross Township passes new ordinance limiting expansion of vape shops
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