Franklin County repeals 1988 smoking ordinance, updates policy to match state law

Franklin County commissioners on July 2 voted to repeal a 1988 county smoking ordinance and adopt an updated county policy that aligns with Washington state’s current laws on smoking in public places.

Margo Wyler, who presented the item during an open public hearing, told the board the old ordinance dated to 1988 and that the county’s revised policy is “essentially just the rules for what Washington’s laws for smoking in public locations” now require. Wyler said the 1988 ordinance was long and descriptive and that the update was intended to reflect changes in state law.

During the hearing, members of the public asked whether the new policy covers vaping and whether designated smoking locations on county property apply to employees, the public or both. A member of staff added, “I don't think they vaped [in 1988]. And so I think that you added vaping to the—” and Wyler confirmed vaping was included in the updated language. Commissioners and staff also noted the policy maintains designated smoking areas on county property, such as courtyards, and that state rules generally prohibit smoking within a specified distance of public entrances.

Commissioner Baumann moved approval of Ordinance O7-2025 to repeal Ordinance 2-88; the motion was seconded and carried by vote of the board. The board then opened and approved Resolution 2025-207 to rescind the earlier county ordinance consistent with the ordinance vote.

The record shows no amendments to the ordinance text during the hearing. No additional implementation schedule or enforcement details were specified in the public meeting record beyond the statement that the county policy was updated to reflect state law.