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SUSTAINABILITY - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion of Proposed Smoking Restrictions; and (2) Direct Staff.
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Meeting Date: August 25, 2026
Contact/Dept: Sean Singletary/Public Works Department - EPO Division
Phone Number: (310) 253-6453
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: Email via GovDelivery (08/21/2026): 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: Nick Zornes, Acting Director of Public Works (08/20/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Sustainability Subcommittee discuss options for smoking zones throughout the City and direct staff.
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 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. Regulation and enforcement development was sent to the Sustainability Subcommittee.
At the January 8, 2026 and March 12, 2026 Sustainability Subcommittee meetings, members discussed possible enforcement strategies for all proposed bans. Members expressed a preference for a combination of Complaint-Led Enforcement and Inspection-Led Enforcement, as well as proactive educational outreach. Members also expressed a preference for the 18-month phase in and a hardship waiver for all proposed bans, as suggested by City Council.
DISCUSSION
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