Aliso Viejo, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 8.04 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code regulates smoking in public facilities, parks and recreational areas. Section 8.04.030 lists three prohibited areas: inside, and in any outdoor area within 20 feet of, a main exit, entrance or operable window of any building or facility owned, leased or occupied by the city; within the boundaries of and within 25 feet of any playground in the city; and in all vehicles owned or operated by the city.

The definition in section 8.04.020 is broad. Smoking means the combustion, burning, heating, electrical ignition or vaporization of tobacco or any other substance in a cigar, cigarette, pipe or similar device, including electronic smoking devices, and it includes carrying, holding or possessing a lit device. A playground is any park or recreational area designed for children with play equipment installed, including play areas and tot lots, or a similar facility on public or private school grounds or on city-controlled property. The purpose clause in section 8.04.010 speaks of parks, tot lots and recreation areas, but the operative prohibition in section 8.04.030 is the three-part list, so the 20-foot and 25-foot distances are the numbers that apply.

Section 8.04.040 requires signs designating city buildings, playgrounds and vehicles as no smoking areas to be clearly and conspicuously posted. Section 8.04.050 says the chapter does not permit smoking anywhere else local, state or federal health, safety or fire code rules restrict it, so stricter rules elsewhere still control. Section 8.04.060 separately bars selling, offering or distributing any cigarette or tobacco product from a vending machine or similar device anywhere in the city. A cross-reference in the chapter also points to AVMC 4.35.090 for the ban on smoking while performing body art.