Outdoor Cooking in Merced, CA (2026)
1 verified outdoor cooking rules for Merced, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Smoker Rules
Merced's Fire Code amendments exempt small propane cylinders from the citywide LP-gas installation permit when they're used for backyard barbecue cooking. Under Municipal Code Section 17.32.030, amending California Fire Code Section 105.5.30, a distributor generally cannot fill an LP-gas container without a fire-department installation permit, but any tank of five gallons water capacity or less used and stored outdoors for barbecue cooking is excused from that permit.
Merced Barbecue LP-Gas Permit Exemption
Light RestrictionsMerced, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 17.32.030 (amending 2025 California Fire Code Sec. 105.5.30, LP-gas barbecue container exemption)
Section 105.5.30. LP-gas. 1.Storage and Use of LP-gas. Distributors shall not fill an LP-gas container for which a permit is required unless the fire code official has issued a permit for installation for that location. EXCEPTIONS: 1.Containers not exceeding five (5) gallon water capacity, used for 'barbecue' cooking, when used and stored outside of buildings.
Looking for Merced County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Merced city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Merced County →