Escondido, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 22A of the Escondido Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 2020-06R on March 25, 2020, bans smoking in seven categories of outdoor and public locations citywide. Under Section 22A-2(b), it is unlawful to smoke in any public open space or trail, including designated parking areas of a city recreational area; any outdoor public space within the public right-of-way, including roads, alleyways, sidewalks, entryways, waiting areas, bus stops, train platforms or boarding areas; any city-owned parking lot; any outdoor community event on public property, such as farmers' markets, exhibits, parades, concerts and performances; within 80 feet of the entrance, exit or operable window of a city-owned or operated building, including its parking areas; any dining area and within 25 feet of the entrance, exit or operable window of a dining area, on public or private property; and within 25 feet of any public place posted with a no-smoking sign.

5(c), a definition that reaches tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other lighted or heated plant products intended for inhalation. ' Section 22A-2(c) separately makes it unlawful for anyone under 21 to use or possess tobacco products except as allowed under state and federal law, and Section 22A-2(a) folds in every state and federal smoking prohibition on top of the local list. The ban reaches private property whenever it meets the dining-area or entrance-distance tests, so restaurant patios and shop doorways are covered even off city land.