San Fernando, Cal., Code of Ordinances ch. 24 § 24-3
Smoking restrictions
Operative Text
(a) Effective as of July 7, 2022, smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises of a multi-unit housing as follows: (1) In all new units and existing units governed by a new lease, together with any associated outdoor exclusive-use unenclosed areas such as a private balcony, deck, porch or patio. (b) Two years from July 7, 2022, smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises of a multi-unit housing as follows: (1) In all units, together with any associated outdoor exclusive-use areas such as balconies, decks, or patios; and (2) In all common areas and other outdoor areas except for a designated smoking area established in compliance with subsection (d). (c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), smoking is permitted inside the enclosed area of a detached unit, as of July 7, 2022. This exception does not apply to and smoking is not allowed in any outdoor exclusive-use unenclosed areas such as balconies, decks or patios associated with a detached unit. This subsection (c) shall remain in effect until July 7, 2027 and as of that date is repealed. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (b), as of two years from July 7, 2022, smoking is permitted in a designated smoking area that meets all the following conditions: (1) Must not be an enclosed area. (2) Must be at least 25 feet from any indoor area, doorway, or window, and outdoor recreation area such as a tennis court, swimming pool, and picnic area, or outdoor area primarily used by children such as a playground. (3) Must be no more than ten percent of the total unenclosed area of the property. (4) Must have a clearly marked perimeter. (5) Must be identified by conspicuous signs. The signs shall have letters of no less than one inch in height and shall be installed and maintained by the landlord or homeowner association with legal control over the designated smoking area. (6) If the requirements set forth in this subsection (d) cannot be satisfied due to unique circumstances affecting a multi-unit housing, the director of community development or designee may approve a smoking area that meets the requirements of this chapter to the extent practicable or, if in his or her judgment such an area cannot be designed, the director of community development or designee may exempt the landlord or HOA from the designated smoking area requirement. (e) No person with legal control over a multi-unit housing shall permit smoking anywhere on the premises, except as provided in subsections (c) and (d). (f) No person with legal control over a common area in which smoking is prohibited by this chapter or other law shall knowingly permit the presence of ashtrays, ashcans, or other receptacles designed for or primarily used for disposal of smoking waste within the area.
San Fernando Code of Ordinances ch. 24 § 24-3 establishes a phased smoking ban across multi-unit housing properties in San Fernando. Starting July 7, 2022, smoking was prohibited in new units, units covered by new leases, and their associated private outdoor areas like balconies and patios. By July 7, 2024, the ban expanded to all units, all common areas, and outdoor spaces, with the only exception being a strictly regulated designated smoking area that must be unenclosed, at least 25 feet from indoor spaces and recreational areas, and no larger than ten percent of the property's total unenclosed area. A temporary exception allowed smoking inside the enclosed portion of detached units until July 7, 2027, after which that exception is repealed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under San Fernando Code of Ordinances ch. 24 § 24-3, property owners and managers of multi-unit housing are responsible for ensuring that smoking does not occur anywhere on the premises except in a properly established designated smoking area. Compliant operators typically update lease agreements to reflect the applicable smoking prohibitions, post conspicuous signage with letters at least one inch high around any designated smoking area, and remove ashtrays or similar receptacles from all areas where smoking is prohibited. Landlords who cannot satisfy the designated smoking area requirements due to unique property circumstances may seek approval or an exemption from the San Fernando Director of Community Development.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
San Fernando Code of Ordinances ch. 24 § 24-3 gives tenants in multi-unit housing the right to live in an environment where smoking is prohibited in their unit, on their private balcony, deck, or patio, and in common areas, subject to the phase-in schedule and limited exceptions described in the ordinance. Tenants who believe a landlord is not complying with these restrictions—such as by failing to prohibit smoking in covered areas or by allowing ashtrays in smoke-free zones—may consider filing a complaint with the City of San Fernando's community development department. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help tenants understand what documentation to gather and what options are available under this provision.
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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