Breathe Easy

On July 7, 2015, the City Council approved new and revised laws regarding smoking in Santa Rosa. The laws, which are included in Chapter 9-20 Smoking Regulations of the City of Santa Rosa, generally treat conventional smoking and use of electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes) the same and address smoking in public and private places.

Beginning August 7, 2015:

  • Smoking is not allowed at Santa Rosa’s 67 parks and on City-owned properties such as parking garages and parking lots, community centers, fire stations, City Hall, and other facilities. Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in all areas of the properties.
  • 75% of hotel/motel rooms must be smoke-free.

Beginning October 6, 2015:

  • The common areas of all multifamily attached housing, consisting of two or more residential units that share a wall, floor, or ceiling, must be smoke free. 
  • All multifamily attached housing units that are rented/leased on a month-to-month basis and owner-occupied units must be smoke-free. Smoking, including use of electronic smoking devices, is prohibited inside of all buildings and units, within private use areas such as balconies or patios, and outside on the entire property.
    • Use of electronic smoking devices is allowed in outdoor common areas provided that the devices may not be used within a reasonable distance (minimum of 25 feet) from enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, such as residential buildings, within 25 feet of unenclosed recreational areas that are primarily used by children, and within 25 feet of unenclosed areas that have improvements that facilitate physical activity including playgrounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, and sports fields.
  • All new multifamily attached housing units must be smoke-free. New units include new construction and units that are rented or leased for the first time.
  • As leases are renewed for leased multifamily attached units, the lease must be amended to include smoking prohibitions.

On August 7, 2016:

  • All multifamily attached housing must be smoke-free.
  • The complete Smoking Ordinance contains a lot more details about ordinance requirements. View the entire ordinance here:

Ordinance 4044

In addition, Sonoma County Department of Health Services offers a detailed web site with additional information about smoke-free housing including toolkits for tenants and landlords, frequently asked questions, smoking cessation workshops, and more.

Impact Sonoma:
https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/public-health/tobacco-prevention/compliance/renters-and-landlords