Guidance for Renters and Landlords
In 2011 the Board of Supervisors protected 100% of multi-unit residences, all county-owned property, and certain public places in unincorporated Sonoma County from secondhand smoke. In 2014 the prohibition of eCigarettes in public places was added to the ordinance.
Secondhand Smoke Guidelines for Residents of Multi-unit Housing
Are you experiencing secondhand smoke drifting into your home from another residence or outside area?
Everyone has the right to breathe air free of toxins, and these guidelines can help get an issue resolved.
Compliance
Laws regulating smoking are largely self-enforcing. Reports from cities and counties, including those in Sonoma County, show proper signage and public education are effective in implementing smoke-free ordinances.
Posting signage is required.
Clearly, sufficiently and conspicuously post "No smoking" signs or the international "no smoking" symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) in every building, including points of ingress, where smoking is prohibited.
For multi-unit residences: clearly, sufficiently and conspicuously post and maintain "No smoking" signs or the international "no smoking" symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) at every building and unenclosed area where smoking is prohibited. You do not need to post signs on individual units.
Do not knowingly permit smoking in those places where smoking is prohibited.
A person who owns, manages, operates, or otherwise controls the use of any place where smoking is prohibited knowingly or intentionally acts if he or she has not taken the following actions to prevent smoking by another person: (1) requested that a person who is smoking refrain from smoking; and (2) requested that a person who is smoking leave the place if the person refuses to stop smoking after being asked to stop. This does not require physically ejecting a person from a place or taking steps to prevent smoking under circumstances that would involve risk of physical harm. Any owner, manager, operator or employer of any establishments covered in the ordinance has the responsibility to inform any apparent violator about any smoking restrictions on the premises.
Do not knowingly permit the presence of ash trays, ash cans, or other receptacles designed for or primarily used for disposal of smoking waste within non-smoking areas.
Which Ordinance Applies to my Location?
To find out which ordinances apply to your location, use the link below to enter your address in the form.
Toolkits and Resources
An Apartment Manager's Guide to Adopting a Smoke-free Building Policy
Source: Live Smoke Free.
Action Guide for Establishing Smoke-Free Public Housing and Multifamily Properties
Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Secondhand Smoke Guidelines for Residents of Multi-unit Housing
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.
Smoke-free Housing Resources for Landlords
Source: The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing.
Smokefree Multi-Unit Housing Roadmap & Brochure
Source: ChangeLab Solutions.
Tobacco-free Print Materials Catalog
Source: Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of California.
Working with Landlords & Property Managers on Smokefree Housing
Source: ChangeLab Solutions.
Workshop Packet: Learn How to Comply with Santa Rosa's Smoke-free Multifamily Housing Ordinance - August 4, 2015
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.
Workshop Packet: Multi-Unit Housing - April 2013
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.