TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Leslie Hardy, Community and Library Services Director
1. SUBJECT
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Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 13-26 amending Chapter 12.48 of the Orange Municipal Code pertaining to a prohibition of smoking in City parks
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2. SUMMARY
Proposed Ordinance No. 13-26 amends Chapter 12.48 of the Orange Municipal Code to prohibit smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products in all City-operated parks. The amendment is intended to promote public health, improve the recreational experience for park users, reduce tobacco-related litter and wildfire risk, and establish a clear, consistent, and enforceable standard throughout the City's park system. The proposed ordinance also aligns Orange with an increasing number of Orange County cities that have adopted similar smoke-free park regulations.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
Introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 13-26. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Orange amending Chapter 12.48 of the Orange Municipal Code pertaining to parks to update sections related to smoking and vaping.
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4. FISCAL IMPACT
None
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 3: Enhance and Promote Quality of Life in the Community.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
At its February 10, 2026 meeting, the City Council directed staff to present the issue of smoking in City parks to the Park Planning and Community Events Commission for review and recommendation prior to returning to the Council with a proposed ordinance.
Orange Municipal Code Section 12.48.165(B), consistent with California law, currently prohibits smoking and vaping within 25 feet of playgrounds, recreational facilities, and youth sports activities. Beyond these state-mandated restrictions, the City does not currently prohibit smoking in the remainder of its parks.
The proposed ordinance expands these protections by establishing a consiste...
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