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Environment & Parks committee advances ordinance to ban smoking and vaping in city parks
Summary
Committee advanced Ordinance 2024‑13A to prohibit smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco on city parks, with signage to read 'nonsmoking areas' and explicit exemptions for right‑of‑way; Parks & Recreation Board had previously endorsed the proposal unanimously.
Chair Spade summarized proposed Ordinance 2024‑13A, which would repeal and amend sections of the city code to ban smoking, vaping and smokeless tobacco in city parks. The ordinance removes designated "smoking areas" language, requires signage indicating "nonsmoking areas," and adds an exemption for city right‑of‑ways to avoid enforcement confusion.
Counsel and staff discussed signage and whether receptacles for cigarette disposal should be added where appropriate; staff said Raintree currently provides receptacles, while most parks do not. Spade noted Parks & Recreation Board had unanimously supported the ordinance and said he would request passage on third reading at the regular council meeting.
Councilmembers had minor clarifying questions about implementation and public response; no opposition was voiced in committee.
