[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6493667,"mediaKeyId","5528703-bdf436ea27dd836323d7c0c14b7ccffb","parentId",5528703,"title","La Habra council directs staff to pursue amendments and temporary moratorium on smoke shops","audioSeconds",1289,"startMs",1037000,"endMs",2326000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528703-bdf436ea27dd836323d7c0c14b7ccffb&start=1037&end=2326","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528703-bdf436ea27dd836323d7c0c14b7ccffb/thumbnail_1037000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6493667/La-Habra/Orange-County/California/La-Habra-council-directs-staff-to-pursue-amendments-and-temporary-moratorium-on-smoke-shops","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493667-f5ae730df330ddc01d279b3f25c98371/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138711&Signature=GpbqaLMrqZWCB7LNgGnOLZE7f4qIYFpoPzUhZ1Ro-GQraKOZytmGQqyGqTMoisIh1HiDY3cI5AgGifdLWBwQqzMCsNm6371NNpvqEFgfqGL1R2lKrpvErMXLrUfVqoi0AhbpDxmbNZZt0HTLwcPHP55t9fZblbOikmjrS-WjwBXm6qeYCMZjoEetGTzHSY8qbsqDh1Bt54DFJfOVNqtr0uviLdKjaFIZq5Bt1-BG63~l8In1t0FShbsy9D8HTxkAv2Ju2YpfFYY~hxFf96Oop02KD8lBfMCFAauZ6C4vpdJhIRG3TzbZ5J1t9oeYq6O8CpUlPorifumWCEzovzBYSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of La Habra","date","2025-08-04T00:00:00Z","article","La Habra — Citing a rise in retail outlets that list tobacco as a primary product, the La Habra City Council on Aug. 4 directed staff to draft amendments to the municipal code and an urgency ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on new smoke shops. The motion passed unanimously.

Susan Kim, the city’s director of community and economic development, told the council the municipal code does not currently define “smoke shop” as a land‑use category; instead the code regulates tobacco sales generally and defers location rules to the zoning code. Kim said the city has 68 active state tobacco licenses, about 20 of which the city considers smoke shops where tobacco is the main product.

“Between 2008 and 2018 we saw six smoke shops established; in the last five years we’ve seen 14 established,” Kim said, noting the recent, faster pace of openings. Kim described three regulatory options: an urgency moratorium to temporarily bar new smoke‑shop land uses (which requires specific findings and typically a four‑fifths vote to extend), a local tobacco‑retailer licensing program that can include fees and compliance checks, and use of conditional‑use permits and separation distances to limit new locations near schools or parks.

Kim cited examples from nearby cities, including Gardena, Stanton, Fullerton and Anaheim, which have used temporary moratoria, licensing, or separation rules as part of their regulatory toolkits. She also noted that state law sets a minimum purchase age of 21, requires retailer licensing and permits state enforcement actions; cities may adopt more stringent local rules.

During public comment, residents urged immediate action. Mariana, who identified herself from La Habra, said the number of smoke shops and their proximity to schools concerns parents and the broader community: “I would urge you to proceed with the moratorium, renew the moratorium if necessary so that we get the best ordinance,” she told the council. Norma Perez, another resident speaker, thanked the council and staff “for taking this first step” to limit new stores because of youth health concerns.

Councilmembers discussed implementation options. One asked whether a moratorium would impose new fees or restrictions on existing retailers; staff replied a temporary moratorium would not add fees or new burdens to businesses already operating, though a license program would apply to existing retailers if council chose that route. Kim said staff could have an urgency ordinance prepared in 45 days but that council deliberation and Planning Commission review for a permanent code change would take longer; staff estimated an ordinance could be brought to council by the second meeting in September.

The motion — to initiate amendments to the La Habra Municipal Code related to smoke shops and to direct staff to prepare an urgency ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on smoke shops — passed unanimously. Staff indicated the next steps include notifying existing tobacco retailers, preparing public notices and returning to Planning Commission and council with proposed amendments and an urgency moratorium ordinance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of La Habra - City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Citing a sharp recent increase in specialized tobacco retailers, La Habra councilmembers on Aug. 4 voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare municipal‑code amendments and an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on new smoke shops in the city.","taxTitle","La Habra, Orange County, California","taxId",3837,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493673,"La Habra council approves first reading of e‑mobility ordinance establishing rules, education program",448,586000,1034000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5528703-bdf436ea27dd836323d7c0c14b7ccffb&start=586&end=1034","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5528703-bdf436ea27dd836323d7c0c14b7ccffb/thumbnail_586000.jpg","/articles/6493673/La-Habra/Orange-County/California/La-Habra-council-approves-first-reading-of-emobility-ordinance-establishing-rules-education-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493673-2ceb5e53d157b36fd94659d07906fd3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138711&Signature=g41qS71F8m2xiGMbTZflyGn7utTmkZwEiKdIIGg1sRyNS-MhdF0YwOcGX-wtyYBH59IATVAePxCTlUQb3arsL1onF2eQgJIUtix2AqVXVHtJ8Co4G8jO3GbHT2iAIOYm5J9e82pJ5PgW5eCOMRiATTNX6cEf4anlkHgWQR7s3QLqTsgNEOLV2PCsYk3GB5ER~A5x~VUY6id6YJJ0rXZN2U7do43DMDSLJ2sIjkmzx0Y6qWuFNWKxU1AjY79CaxyEEE5AkwEvmUrTeE23ugE-1FQjF45YtzFECkmiQakJ4QomJy3sH8HzypfRtQ9v7M-3qIe0-W1busfxm3U5bg7Ukg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","La Habra — The La Habra City Council on Aug. 4 approved the first reading of an ordinance that would regulate electronic mobility devices citywide, setting a top speed, limiting where devices may be operated and authorizing education programs for users and parents. The measure passed unanimously on a voice vote.

City staff told the council the proposed ordinance — described during a public hearing — is intended to “protect the health, safety and welfare of La Habra residents, businesses and visitors by regulating the operation of electronic mobility devices.” The staff presentation cited increased e‑bike use, higher injury risk compared with conventional bicycles, and a 2023–24 Orange County Grand Jury report urging more consistent local regulation.

Under the ordinance language presented, the city would define categories of electronic mobility devices and prohibit their use on sidewalks and certain public facilities. The draft sets a maximum operating speed of 27 miles per hour for affected devices and explicitly covers electric scooters and hoverboards, a staff member said. The ordinance would also allow the city to create an educational diversion program for juvenile offenders and to hold parents financially responsible for some violations, the staff presentation said.

At the hearing, the unidentified La Habra Police Department chief (presenting the staff report) said the city plans outreach and training alongside enforcement. “The city supports the use of electronic mobility devices as an alternate mode of transportation, but recognizes the increased usage has created safety concerns,” the chief said. The chief confirmed the ordinance text as presented includes scooters and hoverboards and that the police department would pursue educational materials and a social media campaign.

Councilmembers asked about involving parents in school‑based programs and whether online videos could supplement in‑person training. The chief said staff would pursue school partnerships, parents’ involvement in training and online video content hosted on the city website.

Councilmember comments at the meeting included a request to receive a status update after about a year to assess safety outcomes and, if needed, return sooner to adjust the ordinance. Councilmembers moved and seconded the ordinance first reading; the motion carried unanimously.

The ordinance as introduced also included a staff finding that the action is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Because the council approved only the first reading, further hearings or a second reading will be required for final adoption.

What happened next: The council approved the first reading by unanimous vote. Staff said it will implement outreach and education and return with follow‑up data; one councilmember asked for a roughly one‑year status report to evaluate results and any needed refinements.","The La Habra City Council voted unanimously Aug. 4 to approve the first reading of an ordinance creating rules for electronic mobility devices — including e‑bikes, scooters and hoverboards — and to exempt the measure from CEQA. The ordinance sets speed limits, restricts sidewalk use and authorizes an education/diversion program for juveniles.","actionData","errors"]

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La Habra council directs staff to pursue amendments and temporary moratorium on smoke shops

La Habra council approves first reading of e‑mobility ordinance establishing rules, education program