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SUSTAINABILITY - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion of Restrictions on Outdoor Smoking, Including Enforcement Strategies, Smoking Zones, and Multi-Family Housing; (2) Guidance to Staff; and (3) Recommendations to City Council.
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Meeting Date: January 8, 2026
Contact/Dept: Wallis Nash, Public Works Department - EPO
Phone Number: (310) 253-6445
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [X] No[ ]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: Email via GovDelivery (01/06/2026): Meetings and Agendas - Sustainability Subcommittee, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission; Stay Informed - Community Gardening, Sustainability and Environmental Issues, Urban Forest Management, Environmental Programs and Events
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Sustainability Subcommittee (1) discuss where and how to implement smoking zones; smoking restrictions related to multi-family housing, and enforcement options; (2) provide staff with guidance; and (3) make recommendations to be submitted to the City Council for consideration.
BACKGROUND
At the October 13, 2025 meeting, the City Council discussed citywide smoking restrictions. The Council unanimously voted to support restricting outdoor smoking to specific zones with appropriate receptacles to mitigate litter.
The City Council requested additional information about where these smoking zones would be located and how the regulation would be enforced. Additional concern was raised as to where residents of multi-family housing would be able to smoke due to existing ordinances prohibiting smoking in multi-family housing.
Regulation development was sent to the Sustainability Subcommittee. The Subcommittee was tasked to discuss multi-family housing, enforcement options, and identify outdoor smoking zones and make recommendations for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
Smoking is currently not permitted in the following areas:
• Enclosed areas of Multi-Family Residences - while it is permitted in unenclosed areas not within 25 feet of enclosed areas or outdoor areas for children or physical activity
• Outdoor dining areas on public or private property and within five feet - while it is permitted in outdoor bar patios
• Commercial zones
• City parks or recreational areas
• Other areas prohibited by federal law (which bans smoking on federal property) and state law (such as 20 feet Within public entrances, in cars with children present, indoor workplaces)
DISCUSSION
Staff requests guidance regarding resolving multi-family housing smoking restrictions and identifying locations for smoking zones.
There are two recommended enforcement strategies.
1. Civilian-Led Enforcement: Civilians can cite each other, including taking the infracting party to small claims court. This method would require no staff time or City funds to implement.
2. Complaint-Led Enforcement: Community members can submit a witnessed violation of a regulation and the Code Enforcement Officers may respond by going to the individual or business. The inspector would explain the regulation. Multiple infractions would receive a citation. Depending on the volume of complaints, this strategy could require additional resources in Code Enforcement.
In addition to any enforcement strategy, the Environmental Programs and Operations (EPO) Division would provide proactive educational outreach through social media and the website, as well as at in-person events.
FISCALANALYSIS
The fiscal impact to the City would depend on the location and number of smoking zones and the chosen enforcement strategy.
ATTACHMENTS
None.