Concord, NC Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Ban area
- All parks system grounds and buildings
- Maximum fine
- $50.00 civil infraction
- Signage
- Bilingual English/Spanish at entrances
- Enforcement steps
- Warning, then police citation
- Governing section
- City Code § 42-22
Summary
Concord bans smoking and tobacco use throughout its entire parks system, including greenways, trails, playgrounds and any building on park grounds, even during private events held there. City staff must post bilingual no-smoking signage and remove ashtrays, and a violator who ignores a stop request faces a $50.00 civil infraction under Sec. 42-22.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited:a.On city grounds of the city's parks system.b.In city buildings located in the city's parks system.(2)Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited on grounds of the city's parks system and in buildings located in the city's parks system being used for private events. ... Following oral or written notice by the person in charge of an area described in subsection (b), or his or her designee, failure to cease smoking or using tobacco products constitutes an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $50.00. A citation may be issued by a sworn law enforcement officer. Conviction of an infraction under this section has no consequence other than payment of a penalty, and no court costs may be assessed.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 42-22 of the Code of Ordinances bans smoking and tobacco use on the grounds of every part of Concord's parks system and inside any building located within it, from playgrounds and recreation areas to trails, greenways and streams. The ban covers "smoking," defined as possessing a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other lighted tobacco product, and extends to private events held on park grounds or inside park buildings, so a rented shelter or gym does not get an exception. To enforce it, the city must remove ashtrays and other smoking receptacles from parks property and post bilingual English and Spanish signs bearing the universal "No Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products Prohibited" symbol at every building entrance and at intervals across park grounds.
Enforcement starts with the person in charge of the area or a designee giving oral or written notice to stop; if the person keeps smoking, staff contact the Concord Police Department. A sworn officer can then issue a citation. 00, and a conviction carries no consequence beyond paying that fine, with no court costs assessed. The city also runs a continuing public-education program to explain the ban to residents and guide operators and managers toward compliance.
Violations & Fines
A first violation draws a verbal or written warning to stop smoking from the person in charge of the park or building. Ignoring that notice lets staff call Concord Police, who may issue a citation for an infraction carrying a fine of not more than $50.00. There is no misdemeanor record and no court costs, just the fine, under Sec. 42-22(e).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on a patio at a Concord park building?
What's the fine for smoking in a Concord park?
Does the ban include smokeless products like chewing tobacco?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Concord
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