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Smoking Ordinance

Section 8.18.055 of the City of Burlingame's Multi-Tenant Smoking Ordinance prohibits smoking of tobacco products, including marijuana, in multi-unit residences.  This pertains to the enclosed and unenclosed common areas of a multi-unit residence, unless it is a designated smoking area.  Burlingame has joined about 20 other cities or county unincorporated areas in Northern California requiring multi-unit housing to be smoke-free.  

Note: This ordinance does not apply to those with a medical marijuana card.  

The ordinance went into effect in 2015 but its enforcement was delayed until 2016 to allow for public education of the ordinance, and for property owners and tenants to become aware of the new regulations and take any necessary measures to comply with the ordinance.  Complaints, questions or concerns about the ordinance should be directed to the City's Code Enforcement Officer Rachel Norwitt at 650-558-7208 or code-enforcement@burlingame.org. Complainant names are kept confidential.

At the City Council meeting on April 3, 2023, the City Council adopted an ordinance temporarily banning smoking in the Broadway Business Improvement District. 

For more information City Council's upcoming discussion regarding extending the temporary smoking ban on Broadway, expanding the smoking ban to Burlingame Avenue Downtown, and possibly creating an exception for flavored tobacco, including hookah lounges, at their October 2, 2023 meeting, please click here.

Click here for a list of commonly asked questions regarding the multi-tenant smoking ordinance. 

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