Tobacco and Smoking

Redwood City has a number of tobacco and smoking laws that govern what and where residents and visitors can smoke. 

Workplace Smoking 

California State Labor Code section 6404.5 prohibits smoking in all (100 percent of) enclosed places of employment, eliminating the need of local governments to enact workplace smoking restrictions and to reduce employee exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Enclosed space includes covered parking lots, lobbies, lounges, waiting areas, elevators, stairwells, and restrooms that are a structural part of the building and not specifically exempt as provided below.  For purposes of this section, the Labor Code exempts from the definition of “places of employment” the following: 

1. Retail or wholesale tobacco shops and private smokers’ lounges. A “Private smokers’ lounge” means any enclosed area in or attached to a retail or wholesale tobacco shop that is dedicated to the use of tobacco products, including but not limited to, cigars and pipes. A “Retail or wholesale tobacco shop” means any business establishment, the main purpose of which is the sale of tobacco products, including, but not limited to, cigars, pipe tobacco, and smoking accessories.
2. Cabs of motortrucks or truck tractors, as defined in the Vehicle Code, if nonsmoking employees are not present.
3. Theatrical production sites, if smoking is an integral part of the story.
4. Medical research or treatment sites, if smoking is integral to the research and treatment being conducted.
5. Private residences, except for private residences licensed as family day care homes where smoking is prohibited pursuant to the Health & Safety Code.
6. Patient smoking areas in long-term health care facilities as defined in the Health &Safety Code. 

Smoking in Multi-Family Residences  

Smoking is prohibited in all units in a multiunit residence, including associated porches, balconies, decks, patios, etc. Smoking in common areas of multiunit residences is only allowed in designated smoking areas, which must be: 

1. Unenclosed
2. At least 25 feet from areas used primarily by children or for physical activity (e.g. playgrounds, tennis courts)
3. At least 25 feet from any non-smoking area
4. Identified by conspicuous signs and with a clearly marked perimeter.