The Santa Ana City Council approved new rules on Tuesday, March 17 to limit where smoke shops can operate. The goal is to protect public health, improve neighborhood safety, and prevent too many shops from opening close together.
The new ordinance allows smoke shops only in certain commercial areas and requires a Conditional Use Permit from the City. Shops must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, childcare centers, and recreation sites, 500 feet from residential areas, and 1,000 feet apart from each other. These rules aim to reduce exposure to tobacco products and keep neighborhoods safe…