Indio council approves first reading of ordinance banning smoking, vaping and cannabis in many outdoor public areas

The Indio City Council on Sept. 17 held the first reading and approved an amendment to Ordinance 18-22, which would ban smoking, vaping and cannabis use in specified outdoor public spaces and require smoke-free clauses in new and renewed multi-unit housing leases beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

City staff described the draft ordinance as a public‑health initiative. “This ordinance would prohibit smoking including vaping and cannabis in outdoor dining areas, plazas, parks and playgrounds, service lines, and within 25 feet of entrances and windows and air intakes,” Jose Ramirez, principal management analyst, told the council during the introduction.

The draft allows limited exceptions: private residences not open to the public, traditional indigenous ceremonies and — by council amendment — certain permitted special events in public or private spaces if specifically approved. Council Member Wayman Furman raised the specific concern of cigar or cannabis events at private businesses and asked that the exceptions be explicit. The city attorney recommended adding language to the ordinance’s exception section so a permitted event could be authorized, and the council agreed to include that clarification for second reading.

Council members asked about implementation and outreach. Ramirez said staff would follow adoption with an education campaign using social media and partner organizations; he also noted the ordinance was informed by prior community input, including the American Cancer Society and local student groups.

The council approved the ordinance’s introduction and the amendment to clarify permitted events; the transcript records the motion and unanimous vote on first reading as amended (vote recorded as 5–0). The ordinance will return for a second reading at a subsequent meeting, at which time the council may adopt or further amend the code language.

Key details: new and renewed multi-unit housing leases must include smoke‑free provisions beginning Jan. 1, 2026; required setbacks include 25 feet from building entrances, windows and air intakes; private homes and traditional indigenous ceremonies are excluded; permitted events language will be added before second reading.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are drawn from the council meeting transcript and include Jose Ramirez (principal management analyst), Council Member Wayman Furman and the city attorney.