e-Cigarette Ban

An E-Cigarette is an electronic smoking device that can be used to deliver an inhaled dose of nicotine, or other substances, including any component, part, or accessory of such a device, whether or not sold separately. An electronic smoking device includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an electronic cigarette, an electronic cigar, an electronic cigarillo, an electronic pipe, an electronic hookah, or any other product name or description.

It is illegal to use an e-cigarette in outdoor dining areas, City parks and recreational areas as well as in the City Hall courtyard and Town Plaza (pursuant to CCMC Sections 9.11.100 et seq.).

Outdoor dining areas are any non-enclosed area that is located on private or public property, made available to be used by the general public and is regularly used for dining or drinking. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, hotels, patios and coffee shops. 

City parks and recreational areas are any outdoor area owned or operated by the City of Culver City and is open to the general public for primarily recreational purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports or athletic fields, walking paths, gardens, hiking trails, bike paths, skateboard parks, dog parks and any parking area within the boundaries of those park or recreational areas.  This also includes City Hall courtyard and Town Plaza. 

There are “No Smoking” signs with the international “No Smoking” symbol at all main entrances to park or recreational areas as a reminder, and additional “No Smoking” signs inside the parks.

If the City chooses to establish a Designated Smoking Area in the City Hall Courtyard, smoking and the use of e-cigarettes would be permitted.  However, there are no designated smoking areas on City premises at this time.

Since the City’s smoking regulations were last updated in 2008, there has been a significant increase in e-cigarette use, as well as a substantial amount of new information from public agencies and the scientific community regarding the serious health impacts of e-cigarettes. 

The City Council’s intent, in prohibiting e-cigarette use, is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by further regulating and reducing public exposure to secondhand smoke, aerosol and vapors.

According to the California Department of Public Health:

• Exposure to secondhand aerosol results in nicotine absorption levels comparable to secondhand smoke.
• E-liquids contain other toxic chemicals, in addition to nicotine, that are known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm
• Inhaling an E-cigarette that contains nicotine causes similar levels of lung irritation, inflammation and effect on blood vessels to that of smoking a traditional cigarette, which increases the risk of a heart attack.
• Adolescents are at a particularly significant risk due to their brain growth and development.

Enforcement of the prohibition on smoking and e-cigarette use in outdoor dining and parks and recreational areas is set forth in CCMC Section 9.11.130.  Violations of the regulations may result in criminal, civil and administrative penalties.

For inquiries, please contact us via email or submit a service request.

Or, contact:

City of Culver City, Community Development Department, Enforcement Services Division, 9770 Culver Boulevard, 2^nd Floor, Culver City, CA 90232

Marian Aspnes, Enforcement Services Manager, Phone: (310) 253-5940, Fax: (310) 253-5824