California city bans smoking at many homes

(The Center Square) The City of Carlsbad near San Diego, banned smoking from multifamily buildings with three or more units to reduce risk of secondhand smoke. The one city councilmember to vote against the measure called it an overreach, saying landlords and property managers should be able to make their own choices about their properties.

The ordinance bans smoking and vaping of tobacco and cannabis products both inside and outside buildings, including common areas, with use only permissible in designated smoking zones. The bill does not generally apply to single-family homes, though it does apply to townhomes, which tend not to share air systems with neighboring units.

The ordinance goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025 and focuses on the risk of secondhand smoke exposure. Violations of this rule are public nuisances that can be pursued via legal action by “any person,” acting for the interests of oneself or others against a tenant violating this ordinance. The ordinance says that a court shall award damages “upon proof of a violation,” and that damages are to be paid according to whether there are provable damages, and in the absence of such damages, $500 for each violation, with each day a separate violation; one week of smoking could cost a tenant $3500 in legal damages to the suing individual or body.

The ordinance prevents landlords or property owners from being targeted by this unless they are owner-residents who are conducting the alleged smoking.

“It feels like an overreach of the city. We shouldn’t be property managers or landlords,” Councilmember Melanie Burkholder said regarding the ordinance, according to NBC 7. “Landlords and property managers can make their own determination within the confines of a lease, and I don’t think the city should be involved, so I can’t support this.”

- Advertisement -

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Texas posts nearly $24 billion surplus, higher than originally projected

(The Center Square) – Ahead of the legislative session...

Helene: In late hour move, FEMA shifts deadline to Jan. 25

(The Center Square) – FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotel...

DeSantis won’t rob the House to fill the Senate

(The Center Square) – Gov. Ron DeSantis said this...

Wisconsin governor starts Office of Violence Prevention with $10M in federal funds

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed...

Bill would toughen penalties for unlawful firearm possession

(The Center Square) – A Washington state Republican lawmaker...

Ohio files $17M lawsuit against former mine company over sinkholes

(The Center Square) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost...

Hochul pitches $1B tax cut as part of reelection agenda

(The Center Square) — Gov. Kathy Hochul is pledging...

Louisiana parishes seek revenue from carbon storage projects

(The Center Square) − Louisiana lawmakers are grappling with...

More like this
Related

Texas posts nearly $24 billion surplus, higher than originally projected

(The Center Square) – Ahead of the legislative session...

Helene: In late hour move, FEMA shifts deadline to Jan. 25

(The Center Square) – FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotel...

DeSantis won’t rob the House to fill the Senate

(The Center Square) – Gov. Ron DeSantis said this...

Wisconsin governor starts Office of Violence Prevention with $10M in federal funds

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed...