Torrance Bans Smoking at Multifamily Properties

The City of Torrance will soon snuff out smoking at multifamily properties.

The City Council has voted to approve an ordinance that will ban smoking in all multi-unit residences, joining smoking bans across the state and nation, the Torrance Daily Breeze reported.

The ordinance will become effective Sept. 7.

“I always believe that the government should play one major role in people’s lives, to protect their quality of life,” Councilman Aurelio Mattucci, who proposed the ordinance, said before the vote. “And I think this is one of those situations where government should step in.”

Under the new law, smoking is prohibited in all multifamily units, including private balconies, porches, decks, patios and common areas such as lobbies, elevators, swimming pools, laundry rooms and eating areas.

The ordinance has a grandfather clause saying that current smokers can light up within their unit for two years after the ordinance becomes effective.

The ban will affect lots with two or more units, including apartments, townhomes, condominiums, senior and assisted living facilities and long-term health care centers.

Smoking can be allowed in designated unenclosed areas set up by a landlord or homeowners association, at least 25 feet from a door, window or playground.

Violators of the ban could be cited and face fines for at least three violations.

As of July, 79 cities and counties in California have passed laws prohibiting smoking in all private multi-unit rental housing complexes, according to a report by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation.

With the addition of Torrance, 19 cities in Los Angeles County have banned smoking in multifamily complexes, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

In 2006, Calabasas was the first city in the nation to ban smoking in all public places, indoor or outdoor, where anyone might be exposed to secondhand smoke.

— Dana Bartholomew