Lakewood, CO Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Entryway buffer
- 25 feet from entrances
- Park areas covered
- Playgrounds, pools, fields, courts
- Transit
- Light-rail platforms, bus stops
- First-offense fine
- Up to $200
Summary
Lakewood, Colorado bans smoking tobacco in building entryways, in park playgrounds, pools, skate parks, athletic fields, picnic shelters, and tennis courts, and at transit stops, under Municipal Code § 9.38.030(B).
B.Outdoor Areas. Except as provided in Section 9.38.040, and in order to reduce the levels of exposure to environmental smoke, the smoking of tobacco products shall not be permitted and no person shall smoke tobacco in the following outdoor areas:1.The entryways of all buildings and facilities listed in paragraphs (1) to (27) of subsection (A).2.The following facilities in City of Lakewood-owned outdoor parks:a.Playgrounds, swimming pools, skate parks, athletic fields, picnic shelters, tennis courts and similar locations; andb.Outdoor locations where people congregate to partake in City of Lakewood events such as Cider Days or outdoor musical concerts.3.Transit stops, including light-rail platforms and bus stops, with or without benches and/or shelters.C.Nothing herein shall be deemed to permit the smoking of marijuana that is conducted openly and publicly or in a manner that endangers others or otherwise violates state law. (Ord. O-2019-24 § 4, 2019; Ord. O-2014-14 § 3, 2014; Ord. O-2014-3 § 5, 2014; Ord. O-2012-3 § 1, 2012; Ord. O-2009-36 § 1, 2009; Ord. O-95-19 § 2, 1995; Ord. O-86-78 § 1 (part), 1986).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.38.030(B) prohibits smoking tobacco in three categories of outdoor areas: the 25-foot entryways of covered buildings and facilities; specified City park features (playgrounds, swimming pools, skate parks, athletic fields, picnic shelters, tennis courts) and locations where people gather for City events like Cider Days or outdoor concerts; and transit stops, including light-rail platforms and bus stops. It does not reach general open park land, private patios, or retail-tobacco-business premises, which § 9.38.040 exempts. Marijuana smoking in these areas is separately barred from being conducted openly, publicly, or dangerously under § 9.38.030(C).
Violations & Fines
Smoking in a prohibited outdoor area carries escalating fines under Municipal Code § 9.38.070: up to $200 for a first violation in a calendar year, $300 for a second, and $500 for each additional violation, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on an open lawn in a Lakewood park?
Is smoking banned at Lakewood bus stops?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.