I don't know what California's laws are, but I would think you are safe to do as you please, its no different than not allowing smokers. 

Smokers, lawyers... 

The ones you'll hear sob stories from probably always have money for cigarettes, going out to eat and to the bars, expensive cable TV service, and a smart phone with a huge data plan LOL. 

If you see them smoking in their car before they come to meet you, you can deny them because they are smokers (if that's in your criteria).So, have tough criteria, and apply it evenly to everyone, and you will not likely have to ever rent to a Section 8 tenant.

There were about 200 cigarette butts all over the front porch.

We did have to recarpet one place and the owner just chose to eat that cost (only around $500 - he used cheap carpet), because of cigarette burns on the carpet. 

Now you know their current landlord is a relative - no relative references  - denied.Also, you won't be able to tell which one is the one who smells like cigarette smoke.

Hey Che Chiu,The rental market in the Dallas area is great however there always seems to be some issue with each applicant either bankruptcy, or criminal or evictions or smoker with pets or temp employment etc.

We also ask if they are smokers.  

:) The plastic blinds will likely be stained, particularly in the room(s) where they smoked most frequently.While folks will suggest to prime with a sealant primer (such as Zinnsser), if there have been long-term smokers, it may not be sufficient - it will cover in the short-term, but the toxins will eventually find their way to the surface again.We helped to renovate a house where the prior owner had been a heavy smoker for 30+ years.