Fire Regulations in Newport Beach, CA (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Newport Beach, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Newport Beach only allows beach fires in fire rings or fire pits that the City Manager has specifically designated for burning, and only natural wood, lighter fluid, manufactured fire logs, or charcoal may be burned in them. Designations follow the location's Coastal Development Permit, so a personal fire pit anywhere else on the sand is unlawful.
Newport Beach Beach Fire Ring Rules
Significant RestrictionsNewport Beach, CA, Municipal Code § 11.08.060(A)
No person shall burn, ignite or otherwise set on fire any material in a fire ring or fire pit, except natural wood, lighter fluid, fire log(s), or charcoal (collectively “fuel”), unless the person is burning the fuel in a fire ring or fire pit that has been specifically designated by the City Manager as a fire ring or fire pit where the designated fuel may be burned. The City Manager shall desi...
Fireworks
Newport Beach bans virtually all fireworks in city limits. Municipal Code Section 9.04.420 makes it unlawful to store, use, sell, possess, or handle "Safe and Sane" 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks anywhere in the city, with no exception for private backyard use. Only a licensed pyrotechnic operator running a permitted, electronically fired public display may use them.
Newport Beach Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsNewport Beach Municipal Code § 9.04.420 (Amendments to Section 5601.1.3, Fireworks)
5601.1.3 Fireworks. No person shall store, use, sell, possess, or handle fireworks 1.4G, (commonly referred to as “Safe and Sane”) and fire-works 1.3G anywhere in the City. Exception: Fireworks 1.4G and fireworks 1.3G may be part of an electronically fired public display when permitted by the fire code official and conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic operator.
Brush Clearance
Newport Beach property owners must cut and remove weeds, grass, vines and other ignitable vegetation within 10 feet of a chimney outlet under Municipal Code Section 9.04.060. The Fire Code Official can declare uncontrolled brush a nuisance and order removal, with unpaid abatement costs becoming a lien on the property.
Newport Beach Brush and Weed Clearance Rule
Significant RestrictionsNewport Beach, CA, Municipal Code § 9.04.060 (amending Cal. Fire Code §§ 305.6, 305.8)
305.6 Vegetation. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, or is located within 10 feet (3.048 m) of a chimney outlet, shall be cut down and removed by the property owner or responsible person... 305.8.1.1 Authority to Declare Nuisance and Abate. If and when the fire code official determines that uncontrolled or high weeds, brush, plant mate...
Outdoor Burning
Newport Beach bans beach, camp and recreational fires everywhere except in City-provided containers at posted, permitted locations under Section 9.04.070. Section 9.04.080 separately bans any fireplace fueled by flammable or combustible liquid, indoors or outdoors, except outdoor units serving Group R-3 single-family homes.
Newport Beach Open Fire and Liquid-Fuel Ban
Heavy RestrictionsNewport Beach, CA, Municipal Code §§ 9.04.070-9.04.080 (Cal. Fire Code §§ 307.4.2.1, 308.1.1.1)
307.4.2.1 Beach, Camp, and Recreational Fires. No person shall make, set, or maintain any beach or camp/recreational fire at any beach, park, or other public place within the City except in areas where proper containers are provided for such fires by the City and where City signs are plainly posted indicating such fires are permissible. ... Section 308.1.1.1 Fireplace. No fireplace that uses fl...
Wildfire Zones
Portions of Newport Beach, particularly the hillside areas of Newport Coast and San Joaquin Hills, are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Properties in these areas face enhanced building, landscaping, and brush clearance requirements under NBMC and California fire code.
Newport Beach Wildfire Hazard Zone Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code 4201-4204; CCR Title 14, Section 1280; California 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...
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