West Jordan's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In West Jordan, Utah, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

West Jordan bans smoking on or near public seating in its parks under City Code section 8-13-8. The rule reaches anyone sitting or standing on the rodeo arena bleachers at Veterans Memorial Park, any other park's bleachers or publicly owned seating, and the 30-foot buffer around that seating, rather than imposing a park-wide smoking ban.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 8-13-8. Buffer distance: 30 feet from bleachers or public seating. Covers: Rodeo arena bleachers plus all other park seating. Not covered: Open lawns and trails away from seating. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor under § 1-14B-1.

Smoking on or within 30 feet of bleachers or publicly owned park seating, including the Veterans Memorial Park rodeo arena bleachers, violates section 8-13-8. The chapter sets no unique fine for this offense, so it defaults to a class B misdemeanor under section 1-14B-1, and West Jordan police or park staff can cite a violator on sight.

Public Alcohol Use

West Jordan makes it unlawful to consume or even possess beer or any alcoholic beverage inside a city park or recreational facility under City Code section 8-13-6(B). The only exception is a special event operating under a single event permit issued for that specific gathering. Rangers and police can cite violators, and the offense carries chapter 8-13's general class B misdemeanor penalty.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 8-13-6(B). What's banned: Consuming or possessing beer/alcohol in any park. Only exception: Special event under a single event permit. Penalty: Class B misdemeanor under § 1-14B-1. Where it applies: All city parks and recreational facilities.

Consuming or possessing alcohol in a West Jordan park without a special event permit violates section 8-13-6(B) and, absent a more specific penalty, is punishable as a class B misdemeanor under the city's general offense section, 1-14B-1. Park rangers, code enforcement, and West Jordan police officers can issue a citation on the spot and confiscate the alcohol.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. West Jordan actively enforces its public alcohol use requirements.

The Bottom Line

West Jordan's public conduct rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming West Jordan is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that West Jordan can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.