Because the negative health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are well documented, one of the most important steps a community can take to improve the health of its residents is to create more smokefree spaces—especially where people live.

This memo, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), states that HUD strongly encourages Public Housing Authorities to implement no-smoking policies in public housing units. The memo is important because many affordable housing providers are concerned that HUD will not approve of any new no-smoking policies in HUD-funded housing.

Despite enjoying the benefits of some of the strongest smoke-free laws in the country, Californians still face health risks when exposed to secondhand smoke. The purpose of this memo is to serve as a guide to local communities interested in passing secondhand smoke laws that better protect residents from tobacco smoke than current state law.

Local ordinances limiting exposure to secondhand smoke are the most direct and effective way to improve the public’s health. Increasingly, many California communities are interested in limiting secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use in areas such as parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. By addressing tobacco use outdoors, an ordinance prohibiting smoking or all tobacco use in recreational areas also helps limit tobacco-related litter.

The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) drafted this model ordinance to help California cities and counties that wish to limit exposure to secondhand smoke in public places.  

The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) developed this Model Ordinance to help California cities and counties limit exposure to secondhand smoke and limit tobacco use on beaches. As the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke become increasingly well documented, one of the most important steps a community can take to improve the health of its residents is to create more smokefree or tobacco-free spaces. Local ordinances limiting exposure to secondhand smoke are the most direct and effective way to improve the public’s health.

The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) developed this Model Ordinance to help California cities and counties limit exposure to secondhand smoke and limit tobacco use in recreational areas such as parks, playgrounds, or sports fields. As the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke become increasingly well documented, one of the most important steps a community can take to improve the health of its residents is to create more smokefree or tobacco-free spaces. Local ordinances limiting exposure to secondhand smoke are the most direct and effective way to improve the public’s health.

As the dangers of secondhand smoke and tobacco use become increasingly well documented, one of the most important steps a community can take to protect its residents’ health is to create more smokefree or tobacco-free spaces.

Increasingly, many California communities are interested in limiting secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use in outdoor areas such as parks and playgrounds, dining patios, bus stops, and public events. Ordinances prohibiting smoking and tobacco use outdoor also help to reduce tobacco-related litter.

The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) developed this Model Ordinance to help California cities and counties limit tobacco use and unwanted exposure to secondhand smoke in outdoor areas. As the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke become increasingly well documented, one of the most important steps a community can take to protect and improve its residents’ health is to create more smokefree or tobacco-free spaces. By addressing outdoor tobacco use, this Model Ordinance also helps limit tobacco-related litter.