President Yee introduces ordinance to ban smoking inside most multiunit housing; public health groups applaud

Board President Norman Yee introduced legislation on Nov. 3 to add indoor smoking prohibitions to San Francisco's health code for owner‑occupied and rented units in multiunit housing complexes of three or more units.

Yee told the board the ordinance responds to evidence about harms from secondhand smoke and vaping, which he said have increased and disproportionately affect children, seniors and people with preexisting conditions. “This legislation would amend the health code to prohibit smoking inside owner occupied and rented units of multiunit housing complexes of 3 or more units,” he said.

Under the proposed ordinance, building owners or managers would be required to post signage in common areas and to notify residents of the policy; the Department of Public Health would lead a public information campaign and share cessation resources for residents who smoke. The sponsor said about half of San Franciscans live in multiunit housing and argued protections would address health inequities.

During public comment, multiple health‑sector and advocacy speakers voiced support. Lizzie Velton of the American Heart Association said, “The scientific evidence is clear — there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and everyone should be able to breathe clean air, particularly in their home.” Kalen Kelly of the San Francisco Tobacco Free Coalition urged passage and cited past fires started by cigarettes.

The item was introduced for committee consideration; no final vote occurred Nov. 3. Supervisors indicated support and asked to be added as cosponsors on the file.