While this is definitely speaks of nanny state, ask any realtor how difficult it is to sell a house that had a smoker living in it.
I know the apartment I moved into required a non smoking clause.
When it comes to single-family (= detached) homes, that's pretty much self-inflicted damage. Basically a non-smoking new buyer would have to rip out existing carpet and wallpaper, remove any "popcorn ceiling", replace all drapes, and repaint, possibly with multiple coats.
But what I bolded is what the proposed ordinance is targeting:
Hoping to be the most progressive county in the state, Suffolk County is proposing a law that would snuff out secondhand smoke in apartment complexes, condominiums, and multi-family dwellings.
These often share AC/heating ducting, and odors can go through walls, ceilings, and floors. And as you posted, many leases have similar requirements. I'm not defending the proposed ordinance, just pointing out that it is less irrational than the first paragraph of the article might (inadvertently, probably) suggest. I do, however, have total faith in government's ability to overstep, and to add irrationality on to what was originally somewhat rational.