HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/26/2026 Item 5a, Alber (2)
Julia Mary Alber <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Trent Johnson; Leah Ann Burnett; SLO Tobacco Control Program
Subject:Code Enforcement Session Follow Up on Smokefree Multifamily Housing
Dear Mayor Stewart and City Councilmembers,
Thank you for holding the special session on code enforcement last Tuesday. We appreciate the time
and thoughtful consideration that staff and councilmembers dedicated to both the report and the
discussion.
We were especially encouraged to hear that the Council requested staff explore a study session
regarding a smokefree multifamily housing ordinance. Our coalition would strongly support holding
this study session prior to the next budget cycle.
We would also like to reiterate that we support a ban on smoking, including both tobacco and
cannabis, within housing that shares walls with other units, such as apartments, condominiums,
duplexes, and townhomes, for both rental and owner-occupied properties.
Importantly, we are not requesting a ban on the use of tobacco or cannabis products altogether.
Many smokeless alternatives are available, and we would support an ordinance that includes
designated smoking areas in addition to disallowing eviction solely based upon a smoking violation.
Finally, we would welcome the opportunity to meet individually with council members to discuss
potential next steps. Our coalition has collected data from 102 jurisdictions regarding their smokefree
housing ordinances and enforcement practices, and we would be happy to share this information and
answer any questions.
Thank you again for your leadership and consideration.
Sincerely,
Julia Alber
Chair, SLO County Tobacco Control Coalition
1