Calabasas Has Had It With Belmont's Nosier-Than-Thou Attitude

Jacob Sullum | October 3, 2007

USA Today notes that Clean Air Calabasas, not to be outdone by Belmont's imminent ban on smoking at home, is considering extending its ban, which already covers most outdoor locations, to apartments. Belmont's ordinance, which is expected to receive final approval next week, applies to any residential unit that shares a ceiling or floor with another residential unit. The proposed Calabasas ordinance, by contrast, covers only rental units and new condominiums; it does not apply to existing condominiums. So if you're rich enough to afford a condominium (or a house) in Calabasas, you will still be allowed to smoke at home. But if you're a mere renter, you're out of luck. Even if the landlord doesn't mind if you smoke, the city does.