California Proposed Assembly Bill Would Ban Smoking in Multi-Unit Housing – Condos, Apartments and Duplexes

By David Swedelson, SwedelsonGottlieb Condo Lawyer and HOA Legal Expert

According to an article in the Sacramento Bee, “Californians would not be able to smoke tobacco inside their own homes under new legislation that would raise the bar nationwide for fighting secondhand smoke.

No state ever has ventured into personal bedrooms and living rooms with its smoking restrictions, but California is going even further than that by targeting owner-occupied residences as well as rental units.

Specifically, the measure would prohibit lighting up a cigarette, cigar or pipe in condominiums, duplexes and apartment units.”

“Californians should be able to breathe clean air in their own homes,” said Assemblyman Marc Levine, a San Rafael Democrat who introduced the legislation, Assembly Bill 746.

Levine is looking to eliminate the health hazards of secondhand smoke in residences that share walls, ceilings, floors or ventilation systems.

The article points out that “California has about 3.6 million smokers, whose habit can affect others by increasing risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung problems and other diseases, according to the California Department of Public Health. Nationwide, cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke causes one of every five deaths, statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show.”

Violations would be an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $100. Various cities and counties have passed similar measures. But one issue that needs to be addressed is enforcement; AB 746 does not identify who would respond to complaints or write tickets. This is an issue that will need further consideration.

“We hope this is self-enforcing, but it’s a code enforcement issue where it’s an infraction or a fine, (so) it’s really for local jurisdictions to figure out,” Levine said.

AB 746 would permit outdoor smoking near apartments or condos, but only in a clearly marked area that is at least 20 feet from any housing unit and 100 feet from a playground, school or pool. Presumably, the condominium association, through the board, would choose a site.

AB 746 is specific to tobacco products and would not affect marijuana smoking. This is unfortunate, as we are seeing a significant increase in the number of nuisance complaints related to the smoking of medical marijuana.

David Swedelson is a community association legal expert who represents associations. David has dealt with a number of smoking issues and disputes. David Swedelson can be contacted via email: dcs@sghoalaw.com