Title
Consider a draft ordinance to modify County Code that would prohibit smoking in certain public places within the unincorporated areas of Monterey County (e.g. County Parks and Open Space), except designated smoking areas.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Support adoption of an ordinance to modify County Code that would prohibit smoking in publicly accessible areas of county parks except for designated smoking areas.
b. Provide direction, including exceptions and penalties.
SUMMARY:
To improve the health and quality of life in Monterey County smoking should be prohibited in publicly accessible areas of Monterey County Parks, excluding designated smoking areas such as some campgrounds and/or parking lots. Allowing smoking in county parks increases exposure of secondhand smoke and cigarette litter to the public, wildlife, and the environment. Smoking also increases the risk of fire in our parks and surrounding areas.
Monterey County Resource Management Agency (RMA) and Health Department are collaborating on the development of an ordinance would prohibit smoking in all publicly accessible areas. Staff has developed a list of county public places and exceptions for consideration:
- Manzanita Park; 100% smoke-free, no designated smoking areas
- Royal Oaks Park; designated smoking area includes parking lots
- Toro Park; designated smoking area includes parking lots
- Jack's Peak Park; 100% smoke-free, no designated smoking areas
- Laguna Seca; designated smoking area includes parking lots, campgrounds, and racetrack area
- San Lorenzo Park; designated smoking area includes parking lots and campgrounds
- Lake San Antonio (North Shore); designated smoking area includes parking lots and campgrounds
- Lake San Antonio (South Shore); designated smoking area includes parking lots and campgrounds
- Lake Nacimiento; designated smoking area includes parking lots and campgrounds
- Travel Camp (Fort Ord); 100% smoke-free, no design...
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