Aiken County, SC, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Aiken County Planning Commission has recommended amendments to the local ordinances to limit vape shop locations. This decision aims to enhance youth safety by preventing these establishments from being located near schools and other youth facilities. The unanimous vote follows rising concerns from educators regarding the increasing rates of vaping among students and seeks to safeguard the community’s health.
Aiken County, SC – The Aiken County Planning Commission convened on September 18, 2025, at the Aiken County Government Center to address increasing concerns about vaping among young individuals. The commission unanimously voted 5-0 to recommend significant amendments to the Aiken County Code of Ordinances that would restrict the establishment of smoke and vape shops near schools and other youth-oriented facilities.
The proposed amendments aim to prevent smoke and vape shops from being located within 2,000 feet of essential community institutions. This includes K-12 schools, post-secondary education institutions, child daycare facilities, youth centers, recreational facilities, public parks, community centers, and churches or other religious institutions. Additionally, the amendments would restrict the placement of smoke and vape shops from being established within 2,000 feet of one another.
The recommendation arose following concerns raised by Sam Fuller, Principal of South Aiken High School, alongside several other high school principals, who expressed alarm about the rising rates of vaping among students. In February 2024, these educators submitted a letter to the County Council detailing their concerns and requesting both legal and financial repercussions for vendors who sell vape products to minors.
The Planning Commission created a subcommittee, with input from County Attorney Brad Farrar, to formulate these recommendations aimed at protecting youth from the potential dangers of vaping. During the meeting, Vice Chairman Liz Stewart presided in the absence of Chairman Jason Palmer.
Beyond discussing the limitations on smoke and vape shops, other actions taken during the meeting included a unanimous denial of a request to change the zoning designation for a 20.28-acre tract near Graniteville intended for establishing a storage business. The commission also approved the construction of a 190-foot-tall wireless communication tower off Chime Bell Church Road. Moreover, the preliminary plat for Steeplechase Subdivision Phase VI, comprising 41 lots on nearly a 300-acre tract on Maxwell Road, received unanimous approval. Andrew Marine, a member of the commission, recused himself from the vote concerning the Steeplechase Subdivision to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
These amendments, once approved, will represent significant strides by the Aiken County Planning Commission to address the health and safety of the community, particularly among its youth.
FAQ
What significant action did the Aiken County Planning Commission take on September 18, 2025?
The commission voted 5-0 to recommend amendments to the Aiken County Code of Ordinances regarding the location of smoke and vape shops.
What areas will be prohibited for smoke and vape shop establishments?
Proposed amendments would prevent smoke and vape shops from being established within 2,000 feet of K-12 schools, post-secondary education institutions, child day care facilities, youth centers, recreational facilities, public parks, community centers, and churches or other religious institutions.
What other restrictions will be placed on smoke and vape shops?
Smoke and vape shops will also be restricted from being located within 2,000 feet of each other.
What prompted the Planning Commission to consider these amendments?
The recommendation for these amendments stemmed from concerns raised by South Aiken High School Principal Sam Fuller and other high school principals regarding vaping among students.
What other actions were taken in the meeting?
Other actions included the unanimous denial of a request to change the zoning designation for a 20.28-acre tract near Graniteville to establish a storage business, the approval of a 190-foot-tall wireless communication tower off Chime Bell Church Road, and the approval of the preliminary plat for Steeplechase Subdivision Phase VI.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Aiken County Jailer Arrested for Supplying Contraband
Aiken County Proposes Restrictions on Vape Shops Near Schools
Aiken County Considers New Regulations for Vape Shops
Aiken City Council Addresses Increasing E-Cigarette Use Among Students
Aiken City Takes Action Against Student Vaping
Additional Resources
- Aiken County Planning Commission: Vape Shops Restrictions
- Wikipedia: Vaping
- Aiken County Planning Commission: Hawthorne at Trolley Run Station
- Google Search: Aiken County Planning Commission
- Aiken County Planning Commission: Vape Shops Near Schools and Churches
- Google Scholar: Vaping Restrictions
- Aiken County Subdivision: Bedford Landing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vaping Laws
- Aiken County Planning Commission Updates
- Google News: Vaping Laws in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
