Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do outdoor smoking restrictions rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Washington's Smoking in Public Places Act (RCW 70.160) bans indoor smoking and within 25 feet of doors and windows; King County Parks prohibits smoking and vaping in parks and natural areas under departmental rule.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Washington's Smoking in Public Places Act (RCW 70.160) bans smoking and vaping inside public places and within 25 feet of entrances, while Seattle SMC 10.30 and Parks rules add bans in parks, beaches, playgrounds, and on Metro transit property.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| State law | RCW 70.160 | RCW 70.160 |
| Buffer | 25 feet from entrances | - |
| Parks | Smoking and vaping banned | - |
| Vaping | Treated as smoking | - |
| Entrance setback | - | 25 feet |
| Parks rule | - | All parks smoke-free |
| Vapor included | - | Yes (RCW 70.345) |
| Park ban | - | Up to 1 year |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I smoke 10 feet from a building entrance?
No. RCW 70.160.075 requires smokers stay at least 25 feet from doors, opening windows, and ventilation intakes serving enclosed public places and workplaces.
Is vaping treated the same as smoking?
In King County Parks and most cities, yes. King County and Seattle rules apply smoking bans to vapor products, and many enclosed public places prohibit vaping under workplace policies.
Seattle FAQ
Can I vape on a sidewalk?
Generally yes on a public sidewalk away from building entrances, but you must stay at least 25 feet from any door, window, or air intake of an indoor public space or workplace.
Are Seattle parks really 100% smoke-free?
Yes. Since 2010, Seattle Parks rules ban smoking and vaping in every park, beach, and playground citywide. Rangers can issue exclusion notices and fines for violations.
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