No Butts About It: Sonoma County Seeks Ban on Outdoor Smoking

Sonoma County is looking to join other California towns in banning smoking outdoors on all county-owned property including county administrative campuses, county parks and recreational areas.

A proposed ordinance, presented at a hearing this week by the Board of Supervisors, also bans smoking in outdoor dining areas, entryways and service lines and at public events such as concerts and fairs in unincorporated areas of the county.

In addition, the proposed protections will provide for smoke-free multi-unit housing (apartments), including all common areas, and after a phase-in period, all units (including balconies and patios).

“Limiting exposure to second hand smoke will protect the 85 percent of county residents who have chosen not to smoke," said Supervisor Shirlee Zane, a member of the county’s ad-hoc committee to develop the ordinance.

"It will also reduce asthma and lower the risk to vulnerable populations," Zane added. "As a community, we are committed to protecting the public’s health by limiting smoking’s impact on people who don't want their health jeopardized." 

The hearing received overwhelming public support; as a result, the Board unanimously directed staff to return with the final draft for consideration on Sept. 13.

If approved, the ordinance amendments would go into effect 60 days after.

“Scientific evidence has consistently shown that secondhand smoke is harmful," said Dr. Mark Netherda, Interim County Health Officer and Public Health Division Director.

"Smoking is the number one leading cause of preventable death in California, and secondhand smoke is the sixth leading cause of preventable death," he said. "Exposure to even a small amount of secondhand smoke, whether indoors or outdoors, can trigger an asthma attack or raise the risk of a stroke or heart attack in people with vulnerable health conditions.”

Over 280 counties and cities in California, including the cities of Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and the Town of Windsor, have regulations supporting smoke-free outdoor areas and/or smoke-free apartment units.

Sonoma passed its smoking ordinance in 1992. The then groundbreaking ordinance —but does not limit tobacco use in outdoor areas or designate smoke-free residential units.

The proposed ordinance amendments would make the County’s smoking ordinance comprehensive and one of the strongest in the county.

The Department of Health Services has established a website for the public to obtain more information where you can find copies of the ordinances, frequently asked questions about the proposed ordinance amendments, information and resources for smoking cessation, and related tobacco laws and resources. Interested parties may also contact the Department of Health Services to request more information at Preventioninfo@sonoma-county.org or 707-565-6680