Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: Mesa vs Scottsdale
How do outdoor smoking restrictions rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Mesa and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona's Smoke-Free Arizona Act prohibits smoking in nearly all enclosed workplaces and within 20 feet of entrances. Mesa parks, light rail platforms, and city facilities apply additional outdoor restrictions, and cannabis smoking in public is banned statewide.
View full Mesa rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
The Smoke-Free Arizona Act (ARS 36-601.01) bans smoking inside enclosed public places and within 20 feet of doors, windows, and ventilation intakes statewide. Maricopa County does not add broader outdoor-smoking restrictions except in county parks and beach areas.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance buffer | 20 feet from doors | - |
| State law | Smoke-Free AZ Act | - |
| Public cannabis | Banned statewide | - |
| Vaping | Same as smoking | - |
| Indoor ban | - | Statewide ARS 36-601.01 |
| Buffer outside doors | - | 20 feet |
| First-offense fine | - | $50 |
| Vaping covered | - | Yes since 2022 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can I smoke at a Mesa park?
Smoking is prohibited at playgrounds, splash pads, and athletic facilities. Other open park areas may allow it, but check posted signs at each Mesa park before lighting up.
Can I smoke cannabis outdoors in Mesa?
No. Even though Prop 207 legalized recreational cannabis in Arizona, smoking, vaping, or consuming it in any public place remains illegal under ARS 36-2851 and can lead to fines.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I smoke on a restaurant patio in Maricopa County?
Generally yes, if the patio is fully open-air. ARS 36-601.01 bans smoking only inside enclosed areas and within 20 feet of doors or windows. Cities may impose stricter patio rules.
Does the indoor smoking ban include vaping?
Yes. Arizona amended ARS 36-601.01 in 2022 to include electronic smoking devices in the indoor ban. Vaping rules now match traditional cigarette restrictions in enclosed public places.
Compare other topics
See how Mesa and Scottsdale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool