Proposed Jeffersontown smoke shop shot down by city

A proposed smoke shop has been prohibited from opening near Jeffersontown's Gaslight Square, with a Jeffersontown government employee saying the location violates a new city ordinance.

Trippy's, a Louisville-based smoke shop specializing in CBD products, vaping devices and other smoking supplies, received a license from Louisville Metro Government to sell tobacco products at 10305 Taylorsville Road in June.

The Jeffersontown City Council , however, passed an ordinance months before that prevents smoking retail stores or stores that sell "Electronic Smoking Devices" from operating within 1,000 feet of a parcel boundary that contains a park, daycare, religious facility or athletic facility, among other uses.

The new Trippy's location would have been just across the street from the Jeffersontown United Methodist Church — a far cry from the 1,000-foot boundary. The parcel is also within 1,000 feet of the Korean Saehan Church of Louisville and the Angel House Child Development Center.

Jeffersontown Code Enforcement director Scott Thompson said the business attempted to start "unapproved construction" on the building, until he arrived on site.

"They never once contacted our office about anything," Thompson said. "We sent a formal letter to the owner via USPS on July 26th stating that a smoke shop is not an allowable use at that location."

Trippy's staff did not respond to numerous requests for comment.

When asked why Louisville Metro approved a license for the location, the city's Office of Planning said it "works diligently to ensure that projects meet the standards of both Louisville Metro Government and, when relevant, home rule cities. It is unfortunate that this situation occurred."

Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com or at @ellie_mccrary on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Proposed Jeffersontown smoke shop shot down by city