TO: Chair and Members of the Park Planning & Community Events Commission
THRU: Leslie Hardy, Community and Library Services Director
FROM: Emily Bustamante, Community Services Assistant Director?
1. SUBJECT
title
Consideration of Prohibition of Smoking in City Parks
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2. SUMMARY
??Review and consideration of a potential prohibition of smoking in City parks, including evaluation of regulatory options and enforcement considerations, and formulation of a recommendation to the City Council.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
Review and evaluate options related to smoking in City parks and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
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4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
???Goal 3: Enhance Public Communication Strategy and Quality of Life.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
??At the February 10, 2026 City Council (Council) Meeting, the Council directed staff to present an item to the Park Planning and Community Events Commission (Commission) to discuss the prohibition of smoking in parks and provide a recommendation for Council consideration.
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?Orange Municipal Code (OMC) 12.48.165 (B) prohibits smoking or vaping in any park within 25 feet of a playground, facility, or youth activity, consistent with the California Department of Public Health and Safety Code. At this time, the City does not impose a citywide prohibition on smoking in all park areas beyond what is required under State law. Based on input received from Council, the Commission can consider the following options:
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?1. Maintain Current Regulations (Status Quo)
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?Under this option, the City would continue to adhere to State law requirements without adopting additional local restrictions. Smoking would remain permitted in park areas except where otherwise prohibited under State law. Current park signage states: "No smoking within 25 feet of a playground, facility, or youth activity - H&S Code ? 104495".
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?Considerations:
* ?No additional enforcement or sig...
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