Denton, TX Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Ban zone
- City parks and athletic fields
- Buffer distance
- 30 feet from facility
- Max fine
- $2,000 per violation
- Patio exemption
- Open-air restaurant/bar patios exempt
Summary
Denton bans smoking on or within 30 feet of any city-owned athletic field or parks facility, plus other listed outdoor buffer zones.
It is unlawful for any person to smoke...in any of the following public places: ...(22) On or adjacent to a city owned or operated athletic field or parks facility. "On or adjacent to a city owned or operated athletic field or parks facility" includes playing fields and any improvements of a vertical nature...and any areas within thirty (30) feet of such areas, but does not include areas within parking lots and other designated areas containing conspicuous signage that smoking of tobacco products is permitted;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City ordinance makes it unlawful to smoke or possess a lit tobacco, weed, or e-cigarette product on or adjacent to any city-owned or operated athletic field or parks facility, covering playing fields, dugouts, bleachers, restrooms, and concession areas, plus a 30-foot buffer, unless the area is a parking lot or other spot posted for smoking. The rule also bars smoking within 30 feet of public library entrances, transit stops, and playground fall-attenuation barriers. Open-air restaurant and bar patios are separately exempted from the citywide indoor ban.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a Class C misdemeanor under the article, fined up to $2,000 per Sec. 14-90.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in a Denton park?
Are restaurant patios covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Denton County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.