Smoking Ban on Residential Balconies, Porches
Smokers in Santa Monica are no longer allowed to light up while on balconies or porches near homes.
The Santa Monica City Council strengthened the city's protections against second-hand smoke by adopting an ordinance Aug. 10 that expands the smoke-free outdoor areas at multi-unit residential properties to a 25-foot radius around all doors, windows, and vents.
The Santa Monica City Council strengthened the city's protections against second-hand smoke by adopting an ordinance Aug. 10 that expands the smoke-free outdoor areas at multi-unit residential properties to a 25-foot radius around all doors, windows, and vents.
This includes all private balconies, patios, porches, and decks within the 25-foot radius and also covers areas on neighboring properties that are within 25 feet of a door, window or vent.
The new 25-foot rule takes effect Thursday, Sept. 9.
Existing city law already prohibits smoking in common areas that are usable by more than one unit of the property - such as yards, walkways and play areas.
Under the law, a person who smokes in a restricted area is subject to a court-ordered payment of $100 for the first offense. Subsequent violations carry payments of $200 and $500 respectively, according to the city attorney's office. Any person can bring a case to court.
The law also requires landlords and homeowners' associations to do two things:
Post at least one conspicuous sign in the common area notifying residents of the law and the remedy; and
Give notice by Dec. 1 to all affected units of the new covered locations and the remedies for violations.
For information and for downloadable signs and notices, www.smconsumer.org/.
The new 25-foot rule takes effect Thursday, Sept. 9.
Existing city law already prohibits smoking in common areas that are usable by more than one unit of the property - such as yards, walkways and play areas.
Under the law, a person who smokes in a restricted area is subject to a court-ordered payment of $100 for the first offense. Subsequent violations carry payments of $200 and $500 respectively, according to the city attorney's office. Any person can bring a case to court.
The law also requires landlords and homeowners' associations to do two things:
Post at least one conspicuous sign in the common area notifying residents of the law and the remedy; and
Give notice by Dec. 1 to all affected units of the new covered locations and the remedies for violations.
For information and for downloadable signs and notices, www.smconsumer.org/.
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