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A ban on smoking on residential balconies and porches in Santa Monica goes into effect today, reports the Argonaut.Part of tightened local laws regarding second-hand smoke, Ordinance 2318, adopted last month, bans people from lighting up on "all private balconies, patios, porches, and decks within [a] 25-foot radius [around all doors, windows, and vents] and also covers areas on neighboring properties" also within 25 feet of doors, windows, and vents. This ordinance amends Santa Monica's already strict laws prohibiting smoking in public places and common areas of residential units.
Landlords must post signs accordingly that let tenants know about the new ordinance, as well as reach out to all affected units in their buildings by December 1 to inform them of what areas are covered under the law, and what the consequences are for violations.
"Under the law, a person who smokes in a restricted area is subject to a court-ordered payment of $100 for the first offense. Subsequent violations carry payments of $200 and $500 respectively," explains the Argonaut. Smokers who wish to contest their fine can take their case to court.