- 1038 N. Eisenhower Drive PMB #281 Beckley, WV 25801
- rcfsc@rcfsc.org
- (681) 539-0370
Raleigh County and the City of Beckley have adopted vape shop ordinances to regulate placement, permitting, and signage requirements. Below is a summary of the ordinances, followed by access to the full official documents and a map of current vape shop locations.
Effective July 15, 2025
Prohibits any new vape shops from being placed in Residential Zones
Requires a conditional use permit for new vape shops in commercial and industrial zones
In order to receive a conditional use permit vape shops must be at least ONE MILE from other vape shops, schools, and daycare centers
Total signage for the establishment shall not exceed 32 square feet
No signage shall display any depictions of marijuana, psychedelics, or marijuana paraphernalia.
All signage for a vape shop must be presented at the public hearing for a conditional use permit
Abandonment of the property for a period of 30 consecutive days results in the loss of conditional use permit or grandfathered status.
Thank you to County Attorney, Bill Roop, County Assistant Administrator, Billy Michael, County Commissioners and our Policy Committee for becoming educated and choosing Raleigh County FIRST!
Effective August 12, 2025
Applies to vape and smoke shops located within the City of Beckley
Prohibits locating a vape or smoke shop within five hundred (500) feet of public or private daycare facilities, schools, institutions of higher education, parks, recreational facilities, libraries, places of worship, federal, state, county, or municipal office buildings, and other vape or smoke shops
Requires a public hearing and approval from the Beckley Board of Zoning Appeals for new vape or smoke shops
Requires a vape or smoke shop permit issued by the Planning and Zoning Officer
Defines a vape or smoke shop as a retail business where at least thirty-three percent (33%) of floor space is devoted to tobacco-derived or alternative nicotine products and accessories
Limits signage to one sign per location
Prohibits portable signs and off-premises advertising
Prohibits signage displaying marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, or imagery promoting illegal use
Prohibits flashing lights, animation, or electronic movement in signage
Establishes inspection procedures and enforcement requirements
Provides for fines of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, per day
Allows for an appeal process through the Board of Zoning Appeals
Thank you to City Attorney Bill File, City Manager Phil Jarrell, Mayor Ryan Neal, City Council Members, Code Enforcement, City Planning and Zoning committee and our Policy Committee for taking the time to understand the implications of these vape shops and how local access contributes youth substance use.
This page provides a summary of ordinance requirements. For full legal language, please refer to the official adopted ordinance documents.
This map illustrates the proximity of tobacco retailers to schools in Raleigh County. Understanding retailer density and location helps inform community conversations around youth access, prevention efforts, and local policy considerations.