A new smoking ban is coming to the city of Silverton, Ore., as on Monday the city council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance that will snuff out smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in the city’s parks and recreation areas.
The ban also extends to parking lots and sidewalks around city parks, though a provision has been added for areas within parks to be designated as smoking areas by the city manager. Currently no designated areas are included in the ordinance.
It goes into effect 30 days following its passage, which would be February 7. Violators would be subject to a ban of up to $2,500 under a general municipal code.
The city also considered a smoking ban for its downtown core area, though the ordinance was defeated by a 3-4 vote, as some council members felt that more outreach needed to be done to merchants affected by the ban as well as additional members of the community. Additionally, the downtown core area is also under discussion, as three different areas were proposed. It appears that the proposal will continue to remain active and likely be revisited at a later date.
Silverton is located in northwestern Oregon, roughly 40 miles south of Portland. It had a 2012 population estimate of 9,344 residents.