Item #10
Date: March 17, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jeramy Chapdelaine, Public Works Director/Chief Building Official Subject: City Council Review and Direction Regarding a Draft Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.10 of the Marysville Municipal Code Regulating Smoking and Commercial Tobacco Use Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council 1) Review the attached draft ordinance amending Chapter 9.10 of the Marysville Municipal Code relating to smoking and commercial tobacco use; 2) Confirm that the ordinance reflects policy direction previously discussed by the City Council; and 3) Provide any additional direction prior to formal introduction of the ordinance at a future City Council meeting.
Background:
On October 21, 2025, representatives from the Blue Zones Project - Yuba Sutter provided a presentation to the Marysville City Council regarding community health initiatives and policy strategies that support healthier environments.
During that meeting, the City Council expressed general support for exploring potential updates to the City’s existing smoking regulations contained in Chapter 9.10 of the Marysville Municipal Code, which were originally adopted in 1986 and later amended in 1993.
Councilmembers provided preliminary feedback regarding several policy considerations, including:
• Expanding smoke-free areas to include parks and recreational facilities • Addressing electronic smoking devices (vaping)
• Regulating smoking at City-sponsored or City-funded events • Establishing reasonable buffer zones near public gathering areas • Ensuring the ordinance focuses on public education and voluntary compliance Following that discussion, Council directed staff to work with stakeholders and return with a draft ordinance reflecting the Council’s comments and recommendations.
The ordinance attached to this report has been prepared to incorporate that direction.
Item #10
Discussion & Analysis:
The draft ordinance proposes to amend Chapter 9.10 of the Marysville Municipal Code to modernize the City’s smoking regulations and incorporate policy direction discussed during the October 21, 2025 Blue Zones Project presentation.
Key provisions included in the draft ordinance that reflect prior Council input include:
Smoke-Free Parks and Recreational Areas
The ordinance prohibits smoking and commercial tobacco use in City recreational areas, including parks, athletic fields, trails, and similar public spaces. This provision was identified during the Blue Zones presentation as a common policy approach adopted by many California communities to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco waste.
Regulation of Electronic Smoking Devices
The ordinance expands the definition of smoking to include electronic smoking devices, ensuring that vaping products are regulated consistently with traditional tobacco products.
City-Funded Public Events
The ordinance prohibits smoking and commercial tobacco use at City-funded public events, which was discussed as a practical way to protect families and children attending community events.
Smoke-Free Buffer Zones
The ordinance establishes a 25-foot smoke-free buffer zone surrounding areas where smoking is prohibited. This approach is commonly used to prevent smoke from drifting into buildings and gathering spaces.
Education-Focused Compliance
Consistent with Council feedback during the Blue Zones discussion, the ordinance emphasizes education and voluntary compliance, particularly during early implementation. City staff and event organizers will be encouraged to remind individuals of the requirements before enforcement measures are considered.
Policy Considerations for Council Direction
Because the ordinance reflects prior Council discussion but has not yet been formally introduced, staff is seeking confirmation that the proposed framework aligns with Council intent.
Council may wish to provide direction regarding:
• Whether the scope of smoke-free areas should remain limited to recreational areas and City-funded events • Whether the 25-foot buffer zone is appropriate
• Whether additional areas should be considered for regulation • Any additional implementation considerations
Following Council feedback, staff can return with a final ordinance for introduction and first reading.
Environmental Impact:
Adoption of this ordinance would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule), as the ordinance regulates behavior and does not authorize physical development.
Legal Review:
The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved as to form.
Item #10
Alignment with City Council Goal(s):
N/A
Fiscal Analysis:
The ordinance is expected to have no fiscal impact. Implementation costs would primarily involve:
• Installation of smoke-free signage in parks and recreational facilities • Staff outreach and public education
Blue Zones Project - Yuba Sutter and Yuba County Health and Human Services have agreed to cover the associated costs.
Attachment(s):
1) Draft Ordinance Amending Chapter 9.10 of the Marysville Municipal Code