San Ramon, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § B6-73
- Scope
- All property, indoor and outdoor, citywide
- Vaping covered
- Yes, electronic smoking devices included
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat fine
- Up to $550 per offense
- Home-yard exemption distance
- 25 feet from neighbor's windows/doors
Summary
San Ramon Municipal Code section B6-73 bans smoking and vaping on every property in the city, indoor and outdoor, public and private, with no blanket carve-out for sidewalks or parks. The ban also reaches farmers' markets and other outdoor community events even where smoking would otherwise be legal on that site. Violations run through the city's infraction and administrative citation system.
Smoking indoors or outdoors, in enclosed or unenclosed spaces and on all property - public or private - within the city of San Ramon is prohibited except as provided in [Section] B6-74 below. Additionally, smoking is prohibited at outdoor community events open to the public such as farmers' markets, even if the event is held on property or at a location where smoking would otherwise be allowed under this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Section B6-73 makes smoking unlawful "indoors or outdoors, in enclosed or unenclosed spaces and on all property - public or private" throughout San Ramon, and it separately reaches outdoor community events like farmers' markets even on sites where smoking is otherwise permitted. "Smoking" is defined in section B6-72 to include any lighted or heated smoke delivery system, and "electronic smoking device" covers e-cigarettes, vape pens and electronic hookahs, so vaping is treated the same as combustible tobacco. 5; private social events in enclosed venues; up to 25 percent of hotel and motel rooms; and outdoor areas of golf courses.
Section B6-76 requires "No Smoking" or international no-smoking signage at buildings open to the public and at park and trail access points, though a missing sign is not a defense under section B6-76(C).
Violations & Fines
Each day a violation continues is a separate offense under section B6-78, punishable as an infraction under section A1-32: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $550 for each additional violation within that year. Section B6-79 lets the city pursue the same conduct through its administrative citation process instead of or alongside a criminal infraction filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in my own backyard in San Ramon?
Does San Ramon's smoking ban apply to vaping?
Can I smoke at a San Ramon farmers' market held in a park?
What happens if I get caught smoking where it's banned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Ramon
California rules heatmap·Compare San Ramon to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.