Glendale, CA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer distance
- 20 feet from public places, dining, events, transit stops
- School buffer
- 20 feet from any school property line
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100 (Sec. 1.20.010(B)(1))
- Repeat-offense fine
- Up to $500 by third violation in a year
- Misdemeanor trigger
- After 3 convictions within one year
- Who cites
- Neighborhood services and building inspectors
Summary
Glendale's citywide smoking law reaches marijuana directly: Municipal Code Chapter 8.52 defines "smoke" to include a "weed" burned in a pipe, water pipe or similar device, and Section 8.52.070 bars smoking within 20 feet of any nonenclosed public place, outdoor dining area, event, seating area, transit stop or service line, plus 20 feet of any school property line.
A. Except as this chapter, federal law, or state law provides, no person shall smoke in, or within a 20 foot distance from: 1. A nonenclosed public place. 2. An outdoor dining area. 3. An outdoor event. 4. An outdoor seating area. 5. A public transit station or stop. 6. A service line at an area or a location listed in subsection (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this section. B. Except as this chapter, federal law, or state law provides, no person shall smoke within a 20 foot distance from the property line of a school.
Full Breakdown
070, "Smoking prohibited in nonenclosed public places," then bans that conduct in or within 20 feet of a nonenclosed public place, an outdoor dining area, an outdoor event, an outdoor seating area, a public transit station or stop, and any service line at one of those locations. A separate 20-foot buffer applies around the property line of any school. 040(A), so an outdoor location with a posted sign is exempt. 070 violation, though as nonsworn personnel they cannot make custodial arrests or carry a firearm.
070 among the chapter's infraction-level sections, but escalates repeat conduct: after three convictions or nolo contendere pleas (or any combination totaling three) within one year, further violations become misdemeanors under subsection (A), exposing a person to a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail rather than the fixed infraction schedule.
Violations & Fines
A first Section 8.52.070 violation is an infraction carrying a fine up to $100 under Section 1.20.010(B)(1); a second violation within a year rises to a $200 maximum, and a third or later violation within that year rises to $500 under subsections (B)(2) and (B)(3). Once a person accumulates three convictions or no-contest pleas within a year, every further violation is charged as a misdemeanor under Section 1.20.010(A), punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Glendale's public smoking ban cover marijuana?
What is the fine for smoking marijuana on a Glendale sidewalk or in a park?
Who enforces the outdoor smoking ban in Glendale?
Are there any places in Glendale where public smoking is allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
California rules heatmap·Compare Glendale to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Public Marijuana Use in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle public marijuana use.