Tempe Smoking and Vaping Rules for Public Places
Tempe, Arizona requires compliance with local rules on smoking and vaping in many public places. This article summarizes the city provisions, where smoking and vaping are restricted, who enforces the rules, how enforcement and penalties work, and the complaint and appeal processes. It is based on the City of Tempe municipal code and the city Code Compliance resources cited below for direct reference.[1][2]
Public places covered
The municipal rules apply to several types of public areas; confirm exact boundaries and exceptions on the official municipal code.
- Indoor public areas such as city buildings and enclosed workplaces (see municipal code).[1]
- Outdoor public gathering spaces, parks, and transit stops where posted or regulated by city ordinance.
- Businesses and licensed premises subject to local health and safety rules.
Penalties & Enforcement
The municipal code and City of Tempe compliance pages identify the enforcing office and describe enforcement pathways; specific fine amounts or graduated penalty schedules are not specified on the cited page(s). Enforcement is handled by the City of Tempe Code Compliance Division or other designated city officials, and complaints may be submitted online or by phone.[1][2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease activity, abatement notices, or referral to municipal court may be used.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: City of Tempe Code Compliance (see resources).[2]
- Appeals and review: procedure and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
No specific exemption or variance form for smoking or vaping is published on the cited city pages; where required, permit or license forms would be available through the city department listed in Resources, or the municipal code provides instruction on variances. Not specified on the cited page.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Smoking/vaping inside a prohibited indoor space: enforcement action or citation from Code Compliance.
- Failure to comply with posted no-smoking signs: warning or citation depending on enforcement discretion.
- Business allowing smoking in prohibited areas: compliance orders, possible fines or licensing consequences.
FAQ
- Where can I find the exact text of Tempe's smoking and vaping rules?
- The municipal code provides the controlling ordinance language; see the City of Tempe code link below for the specific sections cited by the city.[1]
- Who enforces smoking and vaping rules in Tempe?
- Enforcement is handled by the City of Tempe Code Compliance Division and designated city officials; complaints can be filed with Code Compliance.[2]
- Can I get an exemption or variance?
- Exemptions or variances are not documented on the cited pages; contact the responsible city department for formal requests.
How-To
- Identify the location and nature of the smoking or vaping incident and note signage or evidence.
- Gather photos, times, and witness information if available.
- Submit a complaint to City of Tempe Code Compliance online or by phone, or follow the municipal complaint procedure on the official page.[2]
- If issued a citation, note the appeal instructions on the citation and submit an appeal within the time stated or contact the court indicated.
Key Takeaways
- Tempe regulates smoking and vaping in many public locations; consult the municipal code for exact scope.[1]
- Enforcement and complaints are managed by City of Tempe Code Compliance; contact details are in Resources.[2]
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Tempe Code Compliance
- Tempe Municipal Code (official publisher)
- Tempe Police Department
- Maricopa County Public Health