Santa Monica, CA Public Conduct: Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer from building entrances
- 20 feet
- Buffer from multi-unit housing on public ROW
- 30 feet
- First offense
- Written warning only
- Second offense fine
- $50
- Fourth offense fine
- $200
- Hotels prohibited
- All hotels permitted on or after Feb. 9, 2012
Summary
Santa Monica bans smoking in an extensive list of public outdoor and indoor locations, including all parks, beaches, the Pier, outdoor dining areas, farmers markets, and within 20 feet of building entrances. The ban also extends to common areas and outdoor right-of-way near multi-unit residential buildings.
§ 4.44.020. Prohibitions.
(a) Smoking in Specific Locations. It is unlawful to smoke in the following places:
(1) Any elevator;
(2) Any public park;
(3) Any parklet;
(4) Any public beach;
(5) Anywhere on the Santa Monica Pier;
(6) Any outdoor service area;
(7) Inside any public building (as that term is defined in Government Code Section 7596);
(8) Any outdoor dining area;
(9) Within twenty feet of the entrance, exit or open window of any building open to the public;
(10) The Third Street Promenade;
(11) Any farmers' market;
(12) The property of any public library;
(13) Any hotel for which an occupancy permit is issued on or after February 9, 2012;
(15) The common areas of any multi-unit housing facility, except designated smoking areas as provided in Section 4.44.040; violations of this subsection may not be used as grounds to terminate a tenancy;
(16) On the sidewalk, alley, street, or other public right-of-way within thirty feet of any doorway or open window of a multi-unit housing building, except when not stationary and continuously moving through the area.
Full Breakdown
Smoking is prohibited in all public parks, parklets, beaches, anywhere on the Santa Monica Pier, outdoor service areas, outdoor dining areas, on the Third Street Promenade, at farmers markets, on public library property, and in all hotels with occupancy permits issued on or after February 9, 2012. No person may smoke within 20 feet of any entrance, exit, or open window of any building open to the public. For multi-unit housing, smoking is banned in common areas and within 30 feet of doorways or windows on public sidewalks. First offense results in a written warning only.
Violations & Fines
Violation is an infraction. A written warning is issued for the first offense; $50 fine for the second offense within one year; $100 for the third; $200 for the fourth. Administrative citations may also be issued under Chapter 1.09. Smoking violations cannot be used as grounds to terminate a tenancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke in any outdoor area in Santa Monica?
Can my landlord evict me for smoking in a common area?
Can a property owner designate a smoking area in an apartment complex?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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Outdoor Smoking Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor smoking restrictions.