Port Townsend, WA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- PTMC 11.02.025
- Rule
- No smoking or vaping in any city park
- Civil penalty
- $250 per day of violation
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 and/or 180 days jail
- Enforced by
- Public works director, Chapter 1.20 PTMC
- Appeal window
- 14 calendar days to hearing examiner
Summary
Port Townsend outlaws smoking and vaping in every city park under PTMC 11.02.025. The ban covers trails, beaches, playgrounds, playfields, greenbelts and parking lots managed by the public works director. Violations are declared nuisances enforced through Chapter 1.20 PTMC, carrying a $250-per-day civil penalty or a misdemeanor criminal charge.
11.02.025 Smoking and vaping prohibited. It is unlawful to smoke or vape in any city park. (Ord. 3268 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021).
11.02.030 Penalty.
A. Director's Authority. Whenever the public works director or his or her designee ("director") determines that a condition exists in violation of this chapter or any standard required to be adhered to by this chapter, or in violation of any permit issued hereunder, he or she is authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
B. Chapter 1.20 PTMC Applicable. All violations of any provision of this chapter or incorporated standards, or of any permit or license issued hereunder, are declared nuisances and made subject to the administration and enforcement provisions of Chapter 1.20 PTMC, including any amendments, and including but not limited to abatement, criminal penalty, and civil penalty as set forth in Chapter 1.20 PTMC, which are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020. 010(18); the chapter does not separately define "smoke," so the ordinary meaning covering combustible tobacco applies. "Park" is defined broadly in the same section to include all parks and bodies of water contained therein, trails, beaches, playgrounds, playfields, greenbelts, parking lots, and other park, recreation and open space areas and facilities comprising the city's parks and recreation system, all under the management of the public works director, who keeps an updated list of areas designated since the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Functional Plan was adopted.
030, which puts the public works director, or a designee called the "director" in the chapter, in charge of determining when a violation exists. 060 sets an alternative misdemeanor track punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense. 130, and per-day civil penalties are stayed while a non-frivolous appeal is pending.
Violations & Fines
Smoking or vaping anywhere within a city park, including trails, beaches, playgrounds and parking lots, violates PTMC 11.02.025 and is a declared nuisance under PTMC 11.02.030(B). The public works director enforces it through Chapter 1.20 PTMC: a standard civil penalty of $250.00 per day of violation (PTMC 1.20.075(A)), plus city enforcement costs and 20 percent overhead, or a misdemeanor charge carrying up to $1,000 and 180 days in jail (PTMC 1.20.060), with each day counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the smoking ban include vaping and e-cigarettes?
What counts as a "park" under this rule?
What happens if someone is caught smoking in a Port Townsend park?
Can a person appeal a smoking violation notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.