San Luis Obispo County, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

22 replaced the old 'no smoking on county property' rule with a countywide ban on smoking 'in public places and other areas open to the public,' effective under Ordinance No. 3407 (Jan. 14, 2020). 020 defines smoking broadly to reach tobacco, cannabis and 'electronic smoking devices' such as vape pens and e-cigars, not just lit cigarettes. 030 lists eight categories of banned locations: all county-owned property; every recreational area open to the public, including parks, trails, beaches, piers and playgrounds; all public places such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, bars, restaurants, stores and stadiums; all open-air dining areas and within 20 feet of one; within 20 feet of the entrance, exit, operable window or air intake vent of any public place; enclosed areas exempted by the state smoke-free workplace law; and common areas of multi-unit residential complexes such as apartment lobbies, laundry rooms and shared pools.

The county health officer can designate limited smoking areas, and the health officer and parks director can jointly authorize designated smoking spots in county regional parks and golf courses. 040 puts the duty on property owners, managers and operators too: knowingly allowing smoking to continue after asking the smoker to stop and to leave is itself a violation, though staff are not required to physically eject anyone. 050, and any violation can also be treated as a public nuisance under county or state law.