Smoke-Free in Multi-Unit Residential

To help protect the health, safety, and well-being of residents, the City Council has approved an ordinance(PDF, 820KB) to prohibit smoking in and around multi-unit residences.  The ordinance added Chapter 19 “Smoking in Multi-Family Dwellings” to Division 4 of the Torrance Municipal Code.  The purpose and intent of the ordinance is to prohibit smoking in and around multi-unit residences. 

Where Smoking is Prohibited

Multi-unit residents must remain smoke-free in the following areas: 

  • Indoor and common areas, such as halls, pathways, lobbies, stairwells, mail areas/rooms, community rooms, playgrounds, pools, laundry rooms, and parking lots
  • Individual units, including exclusive use balconies, porches, decks, and patios
  • Within 25 feet around any doorway, window, opening, or vent into a multi-unit residence

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What is Considered a Multi-Unit Residence

The ordinance applies to properties with two or more units, including: 

  • Apartments
  • Townhomes
  • Condominium complexes
  • Senior and assisted living facilities
  • Long-term health care facilities
  • Properties with attached units on adjacent lots

Properties Not Covered by the Ordinance

This ordinance does not apply to:

  • Hotels
  • Single-family homes
  • Duplexes on a single-family lot
  • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
  • Junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)
  • Mobile homes in a mobile home park

Temporary Exemption for Existing Smokers

The ordinance included a temporary phase-in period for existing smokers living in multi-unit residences. During this period, residents could continue smoking inside their unit only (not on balconies, porches, patios, decks, or attached outdoor areas) until:

  • The unit became vacant
  • Occupancy changed, or
  • Two years from the effective date of the ordinance (or September 8, 2025)

After that date, the unit must transition to a non-smoking unit.

Need Additional Information

For additional information or to be added to the City’s email list, as related to the proposed ordinance.

Please contact Leslie Cortez, Senior Administrative Analyst, at (310) 618-5990 or LCortez@TorranceCA.Gov.

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