Fire Regulations in Pasadena, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Pasadena's Fire Prevention Code, amending 2024 International Fire Code Section 307.4.3, bars portable outdoor fireplaces from operating within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and requires following the manufacturer's instructions. One- and two-family dwellings are specifically exempted from the setback under Section 14.28.050.
Pasadena Portable Outdoor Fireplace Setback Rule
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 14.28.050
307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Exception: 1.Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one-and two-family dwellings.2.Portable outdoor fireplaces as approved by the fire code official for Fire Department staffed sp...
Fireworks
Pasadena makes it unlawful to possess, sell, use or discharge any fireworks, including Class C 'safe and sane' fireworks, without both a fire chief permit and a state pyrotechnic operator's license. Property owners and tenants who knowingly let someone else set off fireworks on their property face the same liability, making private backyard fireworks effectively off-limits.
Pasadena Fireworks Permit and License Rule
Heavy RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 14.30.020
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, sell, use or discharge fireworks or fireworks kits of any class, including Class C "safe and sane" fireworks, unless a permit authorizing such possession, sale, use or discharge has been issued to that person by the fire chief, and unless such person is in possession of a valid pyrotechnic operators license issued by the office of the state fire m...
Brush Clearance
Pasadena enforces 100 ft defensible space per CA PRC 4291 in fire hazard zones. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) and Zone 2 (30-100 ft) requirements apply. Annual brush clearance inspections are conducted, especially critical after the 2025 Eaton Fire.
Pasadena Brush Clearance Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Section 4291 (Defensible Space — 100-Foot Brush Clearance Requirement)
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. The amount of fuel modification necessary shall consider the flammability of the stru...
Outdoor Burning
Pasadena bans burning weeds or rubbish to clear a property, public or private, under Section 8.48.120 of the weed abatement ordinance. The only alternative to hand or machine clearing is a fire-department-approved firebreak kept 25 feet from buildings and 10 feet from trees and shrubs, enforced by the fire chief.
Pasadena Outdoor Weed and Rubbish Burning Ban
Heavy RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 8.48.120 (Rubbish Fires - Permitted When)
A.No person shall remove or clean weeds, rubbish or other material from any property, private or public, in the city by setting fire to, igniting or burning such weeds, rubbish or other material.B.In those cases where the lots are so situated or where the circumstances are such that it is impracticable to clear the same by hand or machinery, subject to the approval of the city manager or design...
Wildfire Zones
Pasadena has significant wildland-urban interface areas in its northern hillside neighborhoods near the Angeles National Forest. The 2025 Eaton Fire underscored wildfire risk. Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain defensible space and use fire-resistant construction materials.
Pasadena Wildfire Hazard Zones
Some RestrictionsCAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire Hazard Severity Zones program, implementing California Public Resources Code Sections 4201-4204 and Government Code Sections 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 an...
Propane Storage
Pasadena requires a construction-documents filing whenever a single LP-gas container exceeds 20 gallons of water capacity or the combined capacity of multiple containers on one property tops 40 gallons. The rule, part of the Fire Prevention Code's 2025 amendments, targets fixed propane tanks rather than small portable cylinders and is enforced by the Fire Department.
Pasadena LP-Gas Container Permit Threshold
Some RestrictionsPasadena, CA, Municipal Code § 14.28.280 (2025 CFC § 6101.3, as amended)
6101.3 Construction documents. Where a single LP-gas container is more than 20 gallons (75.7 L) in water capacity or the aggregate water capacity of LP-gas containers is more than 40 gallons (151 L) in water capacity, the installer shall submit construction documents for such installation.
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pasadena city rules.
Fire Regulations in Los Angeles County →