Cowlitz County, WA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CCC § 9.06.050(G)
- Buffer distance
- 25 feet from listed amenities
- Covered locations
- Playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, pavilions, ball fields
- Covered activities
- Public park events, league games and practices
- First-offense fine
- $75.00 civil infraction
Summary
Unincorporated Cowlitz County bans tobacco use, including vaping, in or within 25 feet of playgrounds, public restrooms, shelters and pavilions in county parks, during public park events and ball field activities, and during youth and adult league games and practices.
Tobacco Products. No form of tobacco, including vaping, may be used while in or within 25 feet of the following: 1. Playgrounds or play areas; 2. Public restrooms, shelters and pavilions; 3. Public events at the parks and ball fields; and 4. During adult and youth league games and practices.
Full Breakdown
050(G) prohibits any form of tobacco, including vaping, while in or within 25 feet of four categories of park locations and activities: playgrounds or play areas; public restrooms, shelters and pavilions; public events at the parks and ball fields; and adult and youth league games and practices. 010, including Riverside Park, Woodbrook Park, Coweeman River Park and Harry Gardner Park in unincorporated Cowlitz County. Unlike a park-wide smoking ban, the 25-foot buffer is tied specifically to the listed amenities and activities, so smoking or vaping elsewhere on undeveloped park grounds away from a playground, restroom, shelter, pavilion, ball field event or league game is not reached by this particular subsection.
The current version of this rule was adopted by Ordinance 20-010 on March 3, 2020, as part of a full rewrite of the county's Park Code. 025.
Violations & Fines
Smoking or vaping within 25 feet of a playground, restroom, shelter, pavilion, park event or league game is a civil infraction under CCC § 9.06.100: $75.00 for a first offense, $150.00 for a second, and $300.00 for a third or subsequent offense, plus $25.00 for failing to respond to the citation. The Director or a law enforcement officer with jurisdiction can issue it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke or vape in a Cowlitz County park?
Is vaping treated the same as smoking under the county park rule?
What is the fine for smoking too close to a playground in a Cowlitz County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cowlitz County
Compare Cowlitz County to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview
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