Appleton, WI Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 7-100(d) makes it unlawful to smoke or use tobacco products in listed outdoor areas. Subsection (d)(1) bars smoking within 20 feet of all entryways of city-owned buildings and structures, and inside the Red, Green and Yellow parking ramps unless on the top floor and at least 20 feet from an entryway. Subsection (d)(2) creates a mapped no-smoking zone around the Transit Center and Appleton Public Library, running along the Franklin Street, Washington Street and Appleton Street curb lines described in the ordinance, though occupants of vehicles passing through on N.

Oneida Street between Franklin and Washington are exempted. Subsection (d)(3) prohibits smoking in city parks as posted and designated by the Parks and Recreation Department, and separately bans smoking, vaping and electronic nicotine device use within 20 feet of playground equipment in city parks and at the Appleton Skate Park in Telulah Park. The article's definitions in Sec. 7-100(a) sweep in electronic smoking devices and their paraphernalia alongside traditional tobacco products, so vaping is covered by the same outdoor restrictions. Enforcement under Sec. 7-100(h) lets the Health Officer or Chief of Police, or their designees, enter the regulated premises to check compliance, grant a minimum one-week compliance window, and issue citations under Sec.

1-16. Sec. 7-100(k) makes clear that where the city ordinance conflicts with the state Clean Indoor Air Act at Wis. Stat. Sec. 123, the more restrictive rule controls, and City employees can also face progressive workplace discipline on top of any forfeiture.