Full Notification

With the start of the new year there are a couple things of note from your friendly San Mateo Police Department. In light of the legalization of recreational marijuana use we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone DO NOT smoke and drive! You can still get a DUI! It’s not worth the risk and financial costs. Did you know that the City of San Mateo has a smoking ordinance that includes marijuana? Here’s the skinny:
 
The City of San Mateo Smoking Ordinance was revised just a few months ago in order to provide clarity regarding ALL smoking within the city.  The ordinance was originally enacted in November of 2015 because our City Council believed smoking to be an important issue for our citizens, and it was lobbied and supported by our community and police department.
 
The City of San Mateo has regulated “smoking” in the city, to include prohibiting the smoking of marijuana, both medical and recreational, as well as the use of “vape” devices. Responsible parties causing, aiding, abetting, concealing or violating the below restrictions are subject to citation.
 
“Smoking” in the city of San Mateo is restricted at the following locations:  

•            in all buildings, vehicles owned, leased or operated by the City of San Mateo

•           in all outdoor areas owned or leased by the City of San Mateo, including parking lots, park properties and facilities, golf courses, and any of the grounds surrounding the buildings, facilities or areas owned or leased by the City of San Mateo, excluding streets and sidewalks

•           in all enclosed public places except hotel and motel lodging      rooms

•           in the following unenclosed public places

•           Service Areas (including, automatic teller machines (ATMs), ticket lines, bus stops, train stations, mobile vendor lines or taxi stands)

•           Dining Areas (any indoor or outdoor area which is available to the general public used for consuming food or drink)

•           inside any multi-unit residence or within 40 feet of a multi-unit residence

•           within any enclosed or unenclosed multi-unit residence common area

•           A multi-unit residence does not include
                  -A hotel or motel
                  -A residential care facility or assisted living facility
                  -A detached single-family residence
 
RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGEMENT in MULTI-UNIT RESIDENCES
In multi-residential locations like apartment or condo complexes, all smoking, including marijuana, complaints should be addressed first through property management, landlords, or homeowner’s associations for resolution. In the event the reporting parties need additional guidance or assistance, they are always welcome to contact SMPD. 
 
Failure to comply with the smoking ordinance may result in a citation, action by the City through the City Attorney’s Office, or civil action by those adversely impacted by violation of the ordinance. For more information on the smoking ordinance please visit http://qcode.us/codes/sanmateo/ section 7.40.080.