Belmont, Cal., Code of Ordinances ch. 20.5 § 20.5-6
Reasonable smoking distance required—20 feet
Operative Text
(a) Smoking in outdoor areas shall be prohibited within twenty (20) feet of an entrance or exit used by the public, or operable window of an indoor area in which smoking is prohibited, except while actively passing on the way to another destination and so long as smoke does not enter any indoor area in which smoking is prohibited. (b) Smoking in outdoor areas shall be prohibited within twenty (20) feet from any outdoor area in which smoking is prohibited by this chapter except while actively passing on the way to another destination.
Belmont Code of Ordinances ch. 20.5 § 20.5-6 establishes a mandatory 20-foot smoke-free buffer zone around public entrances, exits, operable windows of smoke-free indoor spaces, and designated smoke-free outdoor areas. Smoking within these buffer zones is generally prohibited, with a narrow exception for people who are actively moving through the area on their way somewhere else and whose smoke does not drift into any smoke-free indoor space. The rule applies to outdoor areas broadly, meaning it is not limited to any single type of property or venue.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Belmont Code of Ordinances ch. 20.5 § 20.5-6 generally ensure that any designated smoking areas are sited at least 20 feet away from public entrances, exits, operable windows of smoke-free indoor spaces, and other smoke-free outdoor zones. Compliant operators typically post clear signage marking both smoke-free areas and the required buffer distances so that residents, guests, and employees can readily identify where smoking is and is not permitted. Maintaining documentation of the property's smoking policy and the physical layout of designated areas is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Belmont Code of Ordinances ch. 20.5 § 20.5-6, tenants have a right to be free from smoke within 20 feet of entrances, exits, operable windows of smoke-free indoor spaces, and smoke-free outdoor areas at their residence or other covered locations. If smoke from a nearby smoker is entering a smoke-free indoor area or the 20-foot buffer is not being respected, tenants may consider documenting the incidents and raising the issue with their landlord or property manager as a first step. Tenants can also contact the City of Belmont's code enforcement office to report potential violations, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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