Government » Community Development Department » Permits » Building Permits » Building and Land Use Regulations

Smoking Laws

In Walnut Creek, smoking is not allowed in the following places:

  • Downtown Pedestrian Retail District
  • Multi-family housing
    • Living units and balconies
    • Common areas
    • Within 25 feet of all enclosed areas
  • All City parks and open space areas
  • Workplaces
  • Public places and events
  • Outdoor dining
  • Service areas (such as ATM and ticket lines)
  • Within 25 feet of all enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited

Multi-family housing

Owners and managers of multi-family housing are required to:

  • Notify all tenants about smoking laws
  • Post “No smoking” signage at all entrances and buildings
  • Incorporate new lease provisions for all leases that are amended or renewed

Owners and managers may create a designated smoking area, but it must comply with the rules in the ordinance.

Enforcement

There are several ways the smoking laws are enforced. They include warnings, tickets, and lawsuits. The ordinance can be enforced by the City or by private parties who have given notice to the City.

The City mostly enforces through warnings and tickets, but uses more serious penalties for willful or repeat offenders.

If you are at a business, retail store or restaurant, please ask your employees to help enforce the ordinance. If you are walking down the street or in another public place, you can ask the smoker to extinguish their cigarette, cigar or pipe. If you are uncomfortable doing this, the person refuses your request, or it is unsafe:

Forms and documents

For landlords

No smoking signs

Here are some sample templates you can use to help enforce smoking laws:

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