Upland, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Chapter 17.42.5 (Smoke Shops) sets Upland's local licensing-and-zoning control on tobacco and vape retail. Section 17.42.5.030 requires that 'Smoke shops require a conditional use permit in the C/R-MU, B/R-MU, C/O-MU, CI/MU, NC, HC, and RC zones, which is a discretionary action approved by the Planning Commission.' In deciding the CUP, Section 17.42.5.040 lets the Commission weigh 'the presence of one or more smoke shops within 2,000 feet of the proposed use' and 'proximity of the use to residential structures and residential district boundaries, and sensitive uses, including parks, playgrounds, schools, day care centers or preschools, and libraries.' Operational standards in Section 17.42.5.050 require that 'Each smoke shop shall hold a valid California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer's License issued by the State Board of Equalization... prominently displayed in a publicly visible location,' and separately bar 'self-service display or sales, including vending machines, of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia,' bar 'on-premises use of tobacco products... at any time,' and prohibit any 'person who is younger than the minimum age of 18 years or as established by State law' from selling, displaying, marketing, bartering, trading, or exchanging tobacco, tobacco products, or paraphernalia, 'including electronic smoking devices and accessories.' The CUP is processed under Part 5 (Land Use and Development Approval Procedures) of the Zoning Ordinance.