Benton County, OR Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 18 first bans smoking inside every 'enclosed area,' defined in § 18.005(7) as a covered space more than half walled in, or an outdoor space more than 75% enclosed, such as a covered porch or courtyard. Section 18.020, 'Smoking Outside of Enclosed Areas,' then reaches beyond the building itself: no smoking is allowed within a reasonable distance, no less than 10 feet, of a public place's or place of employment's entrances, exits, operable windows, ventilation systems, service lines or accessibility ramps. Owners, managers or operators of a regulated place must post 'No Smoking within 10 feet' signs at every entrance and exit under § 18.030, and § 18.032 bans ashtrays inside those buildings and within the same 10-foot zone.

Private residences are exempt from the whole chapter under § 18.025 unless used as a child care, adult day care, or health care facility. Enforcement runs through the Benton County Health Administrator; § 18.040 makes it an infraction both for the person who smokes in a prohibited area and for anyone who owns, manages or controls a regulated place and fails to enforce the rule, with escalating fines and an appeal path to a Board-designated hearings officer under § 18.045.