Fire Regulations in San Jose, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed in San Jose with clearance requirements under the 2022 Fire Code. Recreational fires need 25-foot setback from structures.
San Jose Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks, including 'safe and sane' varieties, are illegal in San Jose under SJMC §10.17.100. Only professionally permitted displays are allowed.
San Jose Fireworks Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
San Jose enforces defensible space requirements under California Public Resources Code §4291 in the East Foothills, Alum Rock, Almaden Valley, and Silver Creek WUI zones. Property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures, with annual inspections by San Jose Fire Department and Cal Fire in mapped hazard areas.
Brush Clearance Rules in San Jose
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code § 4291
(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 shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced ...
Wildfire Zones
Cal Fire maps significant portions of eastern and southern San Jose as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, including Alum Rock, East Foothills, Evergreen, Silver Creek, and Almaden Valley rims. Homes in these zones face stricter building codes, defensible space inspections, insurance scrutiny, and AB 38 disclosure requirements on sale.
Wildfire Zones in San Jose
Heavy RestrictionsCAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones (PRC §§ 4201-4204; 14 CCR § 1280; Gov. 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
San Jose enforces California Building Code and Health & Safety Code smoke alarm requirements, mandating working alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each level of a home. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required. Hardwired interconnected alarms are standard in new construction and major remodels.
Smoke Detector Rules in San Jose
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code § 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 after Janu...
Backyard Fires
San Jose and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District restrict backyard fires. Recreational wood fires in portable pits are allowed on non-Spare the Air days, but open burning of yard debris is prohibited year-round in the city. Natural gas and propane fire features are exempt from Spare the Air restrictions and recommended.
Backyard Fire Rules in San Jose
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
San Jose Municipal Code Title 17 Chapter 17.20 adopts the California Fire Code, which incorporates IFC §6101 for liquefied petroleum gas. Residential propane storage is capped, distance setbacks apply, and commercial installations require Fire Department permits.
Propane Storage Limits Under Fire Code
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Fire Regulations in Santa Clara County →