Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do outdoor smoking restrictions rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Smoke-Free Air Ordinance NS-300.821, codified in Title D, is among California's strongest county-level smoke-free rules. It bans tobacco, vaping, and cannabis smoking in unincorporated multi-unit housing, outdoor dining, public events, parks, and within thirty feet of doorways and air intakes.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose's Smoke-Free Air Ordinance under SJMC Chapter 8.36 prohibits smoking and vaping in city parks, transit stops, outdoor dining, multi-unit housing units, and balconies, with one of California's strongest local rules.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| County ordinance | NS-300.821 (Title D) | - |
| Adoption year | 2010 with expansions | - |
| Doorway buffer | 30 feet from entrances | - |
| Covered products | Tobacco, vape, cannabis | - |
| Enforcement | Public Health, Sheriff, Parks | - |
| City code | - | SJMC Chapter 8.36 |
| Multi-unit ban scope | - | Inside units, balconies, common |
| Building entry buffer | - | Twenty-five feet |
| Cannabis included | - | Yes, same restrictions |
| First offense fine | - | One hundred dollars |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I vape on a Santa Clara County park trail?
No. Ordinance NS-300.821 explicitly covers electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in county parks and trails. The ban also reaches cannabis vaping anywhere combustible smoking is prohibited under the same Title D chapter.
Does the ban apply to apartment balconies in unincorporated SCC?
Yes for shared balconies and common areas. NS-300.821 prohibits smoking in unincorporated multi-unit housing common areas, including hallways, courtyards, garages, and shared balconies. Cities may extend the rule to private balconies.
San Jose FAQ
Can I smoke on my apartment balcony in San Jose?
No. SJMC Chapter 8.36 prohibits smoking on balconies, patios, and inside units of multi-unit residential buildings. This applies to tobacco, vapes, and cannabis throughout the city.
Are San Jose parks smoke-free?
Yes. All city parks, trails, and recreation facilities are smoke-free under the Smoke-Free Air Ordinance, including electronic cigarettes, hookah, and cannabis use anywhere on park grounds.
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