Related Resources
► Pasadena Ordinance Summary and Background Information
► City Council Agenda Report
► Pasadena Ordinance No. 7156
► City Council Video Link
► Secondhand Smoke Community Survey
► Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet

Has the City of Pasadena banned all outdoor smoking?
No. The purpose of the ordinance, effective November 28, 2008, is to limit the public exposure to secondhand smoke in certain public areas of the City.

Where is outdoor smoking prohibited?
Smoking is prohibited in certain public places in the City of Pasadena where other persons can be exposed to secondhand smoke. These outdoor places include:

Can I smoke in my house or apartment? Can I smoke on my balcony?
The outdoor air ordinance does not include smoking restrictions in multi-unit housing; however, at the May 5 and October 27, 2008 City Council meetings, staff was directed to return to City Council to address the problem of drifting tobacco smoke in residential units.

What should I do if I witness someone violating the ordinance?
If you are at a restaurant, retail store or other business, please ask an employee to enforce the ordinance. Or, you can politely ask the smoker to extinguish the cigarette, cigar or pipe, or move the designated distance required by law, which is at least 20 feet. Please note there is no-smoking at outdoor areas of shopping malls; in unenclosed areas of bars and restaurants; in outdoor service waiting lines; and at outdoor public gathering events/special events, such as parades and fairs.

If an individual is smoking but clearly moving from one location to another (for example, walking along the sidewalk to their car), this is not a violation of the law.

To report a violation of this law, contact the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6014 or complete an online Violations Report Form. This information will be used to follow-up on the investigation of the reported violation but will be treated confidentially. Anyone reporting a violation may also choose to remain anonymous.

If I am an employee or business tenant who uses tobacco, where should I go to smoke at my workplace?
Employees who smoke must do so in an area that is at least 20 feet away from main entrances or exits. This area must still comply with the ordinance.

What are the consequences if someone is smoking or if a business allows smoking?
Owners, managers, or patrons are required to comply with the law. Violators will be subject to a $100 ticket citation for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $500 for the third violation occurring within 12-month period.  

Related Resources
► Pasadena Ordinance Summary and Background Information
► City Council Agenda Report
► Pasadena Ordinance No. 7156
► City Council Video Link
► Secondhand Smoke Community Survey
► Secondhand Smoke Fact Sheet

Has the City of Pasadena banned all outdoor smoking?
No. The purpose of the ordinance, effective November 28, 2008, is to limit the public exposure to secondhand smoke in certain public areas of the City.

Where is outdoor smoking prohibited?
Smoking is prohibited in certain public places in the City of Pasadena where other persons can be exposed to secondhand smoke. These outdoor places include:
 

What are businesses required to do? What kind of signage should be posted?
In order to comply with the law, all business owners, managers and commercial building management companies should:

What kind of signage should be posted at these various places?
Signage, as described in the previous section, should be clearly visible to patrons and the general public. Examples of the two types of signage are shown below:

Sign A - Printable Version



Sign B - Printable Version

To determine the type of sign to display, use the following guide:

What should I do if I witness someone violating the ordinance?
If you are a restaurant, retail store or other business manager or owner, you must post appropriate signage for the benefit of your customers and visitors. Educate your employees about the new law. Please have employees politely ask the smoker to extinguish their cigarette, cigar or pipe, or move the designated distance under the law, which is 20 feet. However, there are certain locations that are entirely smoke-free.

If an individual is smoking but clearly moving from one location to another (for example, walking along the sidewalk to their car), this is not a violation of the law.

To report a violation of this law, contact the Public Health Department at (626) 744-6014 or complete an online Violations Report Form. This information will be used to follow-up on the investigation of the reported violation but will be treated confidentially. Anyone reporting a violation may also choose to remain anonymous.

Where should I have my employees and/or business tenants go to smoke?
Employees and business tenants who smoke must do so in an area that is at least 20 feet away from main entrances or exits. This area must still comply with the ordinance.

Commercial building and property owners/managers should post appropriate signage as well as remove ashtrays and other smoke-related receptacles from these areas. Remember, if someone complains, you will need to follow-up with your employee and/or tenant to ensure that there are no violations of the law. For additional technical assistance on this issue, please call the Public Health Department Tobacco Control Program at (626) 744-6014 or submit an online question.

What are the consequences if someone is smoking or if a business allows smoking?
Owners, managers, or patrons are required to comply with the law. Violators will be subject to a $100 ticket citation for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $500 for the third violation occurring within 12-month period.  

The Pasadena Public Health Department is the primary enforcement agent. To report a violation, the public can call 744-6014 or complete an online Violations Report Form.