Outdoor Cooking in Monterey, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Monterey bars any barbecue, stove, lantern, generator or other fuel-burning device on Municipal Wharves No. 1 and No. 2 unless the Fire Code Official specifically approves it in advance, and every licensed sidewalk vendor citywide is separately barred from using a charcoal barbecue, portable generator or wood-burning oven at all.
Monterey Wharf Barbecue and Propane Ban
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 13-0.2(g) (CFC § 305.1.1)
305.1.1 General. Use of equipment, appliances, and open-flame devices shall be in accordance with this section. (a) the use of any fuel burning or consuming apparatus, electrical device, or explosives on Municipal Wharves No. 1 and No 2 shall be prohibited unless specifically approved by the Fire Code Official including but not limited to: ... 7. Barbecues
Smoker Rules
Monterey restricts open fires and portable barbecues in city parks and beaches to the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and any fire must sit fully inside a City-provided fireplace, a fire ring, or a self-contained portable barbecue. Dumping ash or coals on the sand outside those containers is a separate violation under the same section.
Monterey Park and Beach Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 23-3(c)
c.Burn, kindle, light or maintain any fire during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. or to burn, kindle, light, or maintain a fire during permitted hours which is not fully contained within City-provided fireplaces or fire rings, or fully contained within a portable barbecue; or, to dispose of any charcoals, coals, embers, or other residue from a barbecue in any beach area except in a City-pr...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Monterey County →