Fort Wayne, IN Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard buffer
- 20 ft from doorway
- Restaurant patio buffer
- 8 ft from patio doorway
- Children's Zoo
- smoking banned at all times
- First-offense fine
- $25, then $100, $250
- Enforcement
- Fire Dept dispatch on complaint
Summary
Fort Wayne requires smokers to keep a set distance from doorways into smoke-free buildings, 20 feet generally, 8 feet from a restaurant's exterior patio doorway, and bans smoking outright at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.
Smoking shall occur at a reasonable distance outside any enclosed area where smoking is prohibited... a reasonable distance shall be construed to mean not less than 20 feet from the doorway or other opening leading into the enclosed area where smoking is prohibited. For restaurants with an exterior patio in an enclosed area, a reasonable distance shall be eight feet from the patio doorway, provided that the patio doorway is not a public entrance or exit for the restaurant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Because indoor smoking is banned citywide, § 95.65 pushes smokers a set distance from any doorway leading into a smoke-free enclosed area: not less than 20 feet from most entrances, but only 8 feet from a restaurant's exterior patio doorway if that doorway isn't a public entrance or exit. Separately, § 95.62(B) bans smoking at all times in every area of the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, with no distance exception. The Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department, Fire Department, and Police Department enforce the subchapter.
Violations & Fines
Under § 95.99(F), most violators face a civil fine of $25 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $250 for each additional violation. Citations are issued after a Fire Department dispatch on complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far from a doorway must I stand to smoke outside in Fort Wayne?
Can I smoke at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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