Fire Regulations in Mountain View, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Mountain View, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Mountain View allows built-in fire pits, barbecues, chimneys and outdoor kitchens as residential accessory structures, but Sec. 36.12.50(i) requires a minimum 5-foot setback from every side and rear property line for any structure with cooking or smoke-producing components, overriding the smaller zero-foot setbacks other accessory structures can use.
Mountain View Fire Pit Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code § 36.12.50(i)
i.Cooking and smoke-producing facilities. Any accessory structure which includes cooking or smoke-producing components, such as barbecues, fire pits, chimneys and outdoor kitchens, shall maintain a minimum five (5) foot setback from all side and rear property lines.
Fireworks
Mountain View prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of all fireworks, including 'Safe and Sane' fireworks otherwise legal under California law, per City Code Sec. 14.28.05. Only licensed storage, manufacturing/testing, and permitted public pyrotechnic displays are exempt.
Mountain View Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code Sec. 14.28.05 (amending Cal. Fire Code § 5601.1.3)
5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the California State Fire Marshal, are prohibited. Exceptions: 1.Storage and handling of fireworks as allowed in Section 5604.2.Manufacture, assembly and testing of fireworks as allowed in Section 5605 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.3....
Brush Clearance
Property owners must maintain defensible space and remove dry vegetation that poses a fire hazard. Mountain View follows Santa Clara County weed and fire abatement standards.
Mountain View Brush Clearance Requirements
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 s...
Wildfire Zones
Most of Mountain View sits outside state-mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, but western hillside areas near open space are treated as elevated risk by local fire authorities.
Mountain View Wildfire Zone Designations
Some RestrictionsCAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal - Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Public Resources Code 4201-4204; 14 CCR Section 1280; Government Code 51175-89)
The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and C...
Smoke Detectors
California law requires working smoke alarms in all dwellings, and carbon monoxide alarms in any home with fuel appliances or an attached garage. Mountain View enforces these on sale and at rental turnover.
Mountain View Smoke Detector Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7
13113.7. (a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or a...
Propane Storage
Mountain View bars storage of liquefied petroleum gas containers anywhere natural gas mains already reach, under City Code Sec. 14.32.05. Once mains are installed, LPG users must convert to natural gas within 30 days; portable-container refilling and certain industrial uses are exempt.
Mountain View LPG Storage Rules
Significant RestrictionsMountain View, CA, City Code Sec. 14.32.05 (amending Cal. Fire Code § 6104.2)
6104.2 Maximum capacity within established limits. Storage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) containers shall not be permitted within the city where natural gas mains exist. Upon the installation of natural gas mains, conversion from LPG to natural gas must be made within thirty (30) days of the installation of the mains. When an area is annexed to the city and no natural gas mains exist, the us...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mountain View city rules.
Fire Regulations in Santa Clara County →