Hawthorne, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing ordinance
- Ord. 2227 § 3, 2021
- Buffer distance
- 20 feet from prohibited areas
- Civil fine range
- $100 to $1,000 per violation
- Lease clause required
- Leases from Feb. 1, 2022
- Cannabis lounge exception
- Licensed consumption lounges exempt
- Sign lettering
- At least 1 inch tall
Summary
Hawthorne prohibits smoking in every city park, recreational facility, parking lot, building and vehicle, and extends the ban to outdoor dining areas, outdoor public events, outdoor seating areas, service areas, enclosed public places and transit stops. The rule also reaches enclosed common areas of multi-unit apartment complexes, with a 20-foot buffer around most prohibited zones.
A. Smoking is prohibited in the following areas: 1. City Property. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter or by state or federal law, no person shall smoke or otherwise permit, allow, or suffer smoking in any city building or structure, city park or recreational facility, city parking lot or structure, or city vehicle. 2. Public Areas. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter or by state or federal law, no person shall smoke or otherwise permit, allow, or suffer smoking within any of the following areas: a. Enclosed public place; b. Service area; c. Outdoor dining area; d. Outdoor public event; e. Outdoor seating area; f. Public transit station or stop.
Full Breakdown
030). The ban also covers any enclosed common area of a multi-unit residential housing complex. 030 (except while passing through), or within 20 feet of an entrance, window or air intake vent to a smoke-free enclosed area. 90. 050 bars discarding smoking waste in banned areas, prohibits placing ashtrays or similar receptacles in those areas, and requires posted 'No Smoking' signage with letters at least one inch tall or the international no-smoking symbol at every entrance where the city or a property owner controls access.
Leases for units in multi-unit complexes signed, renewed or continued month-to-month on or after February 1, 2022 must include a clause prohibiting smoking in enclosed common areas, with tenants named as third-party beneficiaries of that clause. 050(E).
Violations & Fines
Under § 8.48.060, the city attorney can pursue a Chapter 8.48 violation as a misdemeanor, an infraction, or a civil administrative citation, in the attorney's discretion under Hawthorne Code § 1.20.030. The city attorney may also file a civil action carrying a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 per violation, and every violation is independently declared a public nuisance subject to abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in a Hawthorne city park?
How close to a smoke-free area can I smoke in Hawthorne?
What happens if I violate Hawthorne's smoking ban?
Does the ban cover apartment building common areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
California rules heatmap·Compare Hawthorne to another location·View the California public conduct overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.