Ventura County, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Unincorporated county only
- First offense
- Warning
- Repeat fines
- $50 to $200
- Designated area buffer
- 25 ft from doors
Summary
Smoking and vaping are banned in unincorporated Ventura County's parks, dining patios, entryways, service areas and other public places under the county's Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance, with only narrow posted exceptions.
Smoking and the use of tobacco products are prohibited in the unenclosed areas of the following places, with the exception of designated smoking areas...(a)Dining areas.(b)Entryways.(c)Public places.(d)Recreational areas.(e)Service areas.(f)Places of employment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
Ventura County Ordinance Code § 6706 prohibits smoking and tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes and marijuana, per the Chapter 7 definitions, in the unenclosed areas of dining areas, entryways, public places, recreational areas, service areas and places of employment throughout the unincorporated county. The only exception is a posted "designated smoking area" set at least 25 feet from doorways and 250 feet from playgrounds or sports fields. "No Smoking and No Vaping" signs must be posted at every entrance under § 6711.
Violations & Fines
A first offense draws a warning; repeat violations within a year escalate to $50, $100, then $200 fines under § 6713, and violations may also be treated as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke on a restaurant patio in unincorporated Ventura County?
Does the ban cover vaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.