Fire Regulations in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Costa Mesa allows gas-fueled fire pits with Building Department approval. Wood-burning fire pits must maintain 25-foot clearance from combustible structures. Single-family homes (R-3) require 3-foot clearance for portable devices; other residential types require 10 feet.
Costa Mesa Fire Pit Regulations
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Costa Mesa permits safe and sane fireworks July 2-4 between 4 PM and 10 PM only. Sales run June 30 through July 4 at licensed locations. All illegal fireworks are prohibited year-round with zero-tolerance enforcement. Report violations at (714) 754-5252.
Costa Mesa Fireworks Regulations
Some RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Costa Mesa requires property owners to remove weeds, grass, and combustible vegetation capable of endangering property. The Costa Mesa Fire Department enforces vegetation management standards as part of the adopted fire code.
Costa Mesa Brush & Vegetation Clearance
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code § 4291
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Outdoor Burning
Costa Mesa prohibits outdoor burning of trash and refuse. Rubbish may only be burned in approved incinerators. Gas-fueled outdoor fire devices are the primary permitted option. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
Costa Mesa Outdoor Burning Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Costa Mesa enforces California's smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector requirements under CMMC building codes. Detectors are required in all sleeping areas, outside bedrooms, and on every level of the home, with CO detectors mandatory in homes with fuel-burning appliances.
Costa Mesa Smoke & CO Detector Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code §13113.7
13113.7. skip to content home accessibility FAQ feedback sitemap login x Quick Search: Bill Number Bill Keyword Home Bill Information California Law Publications Other Resources My Subscriptions My Favorites California Law >> >> Code Section Code Section Code: Select Code CONS BPC CIV CCP COM CORP EDC ELEC EVID FAM FIN FGC FAC GOV HNC HSC INS LAB MVC PEN PROB PCC PRC PUC RTC SHC UIC VEH WAT WIC...
Backyard Fires
Costa Mesa allows recreational fires in backyards using approved portable fire pits, chimineas, and cooking fires under SCAQMD and local fire code restrictions. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Fires must be attended and extinguished safely.
Costa Mesa Backyard Recreational Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Fire Regulations in Orange County →