Thousand Oaks, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer from playgrounds
- 25 feet
- Buffer from building entrances/exits
- 25 feet
- Designated smoking area at events
- Max 20% of total event area
- Violation classification
- Infraction
- Patio-smoking permit
- Issued by Community Development Director; revocable
Summary
Thousand Oaks bans smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, in most outdoor public places citywide: playgrounds and within 25 feet, public gardens, outdoor service areas, shopping-center common areas, outdoor customer dining patios, and within 25 feet of any public building's entrance or exit. Restaurants can apply for a city permit to allow smoking in an outdoor dining area, but only if strict distance-from-other-uses and door-sealing conditions are met.
It is unlawful for any person to smoke in the following places: (1) Any playground and within twenty-five (25) feet thereof; (2) Any public gardens; (3) Any outdoor service area; ... (7) Any Common Area at a Shopping Center; (8) Out of doors within twenty-five (25') feet of the entrance or exit of any building open to the public except tobacco shops that are a free standing business;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The chapter defines 'smoking' broadly to include lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes/vape pens used to burn, aerosolize, or vaporize tobacco, cannabis, or any combustible substance. Beyond the locations above, smoking is also barred on public library grounds, at outdoor gathering/event areas (from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after the event, except in a designated area capped at 20% of total event area), and on buses, taxis, or other public transit. 'No Smoking' signs and ashtrays must be posted at every entrance to a covered public place. Restaurants seeking to allow patio smoking must apply to the Community Development Director; the outdoor dining area must be at least 25 feet from other prohibited zones and other businesses' entrances, doors must self-close and seal, and the area can't be a shared multi-restaurant space.
Violations & Fines
Violating the smoking prohibition, or a property owner/operator/manager knowingly permitting it, is an infraction punishable under Sec. 1-2.03 of the Municipal Code. This is on top of, not instead of, littering penalties under state Health and Safety Code § 13002 or Penal Code § 374.4 for improperly discarded cigarette butts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I vape on a restaurant patio in Thousand Oaks?
Is smoking banned everywhere outdoors in Thousand Oaks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.