Bellevue Planning & Zoning Meeting Summary - March 24, 2025 The Bellevue Planning & Zoning Commission met to continue discussions on zoning regulations for electronic smoking retailers (vape shops) and tobacco retailers. The meeting focused on refining definitions and zoning requirements to ensure consistency with state law and to regulate the placement of these businesses within the city. The commission removed references to "tobacco retailers" from the proposed zoning ordinance to avoid unintended restrictions on general retail businesses, such as gas stations that sell tobacco products. Instead, regulations will apply specifically to electronic smoking retailers (vape shops). The updated ordinance includes distance requirements, prohibiting vape shops from operating within 1,200 feet of schools and daycare centers and within 600 feet of another electronic smoking retailer. Additional restrictions include banning drive-through sales, prohibiting minors from entering, and preventing these businesses from obtaining food service or alcohol licenses. A key concern was Senate Bill 100, which, if signed into law, would centralize state control over nicotine and tobacco sales and could override local zoning restrictions. The commission debated whether the new regulations would remain enforceable if the bill becomes law but ultimately decided to proceed with the zoning changes. After refining the ordinance language, the commission voted to approve the proposed zoning amendments and send them to the city council for final approval. The meeting concluded with a brief discussion about an upcoming Chipotle development project on Donnermeyer Drive, which will require a site development plan review in April. Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI and may not capture all meeting nuances or discussions.