Fire Regulations in San Mateo, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Outdoor wood-burning fire pits are banned on Spare the Air Alert days throughout San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3. With 19–41 annual alert days expected, backyard wood burning is severely restricted.
City of San Mateo Fire Pit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks are illegal in the City of San Mateo, including 'Safe and Sane' varieties. Violations are misdemeanors. San Mateo County also bans all fireworks with a $1,000 fine; spectator fines of $500 were added in 2023.
City of San Mateo Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Properties in fire-prone areas of San Mateo must maintain defensible space under California PRC 4291. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department enforces vegetation management requirements. Hillside properties on the western slopes are subject to enhanced clearance requirements.
San Mateo Brush Clearance & Vegetation Management
Some RestrictionsCA Public Resources Code § 4291 — Defensible Space
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 sha...
Outdoor Burning
Open burning is banned in San Mateo under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Wood-burning devices (fireplaces, stoves, fire pits) are prohibited during Spare the Air Alerts under BAAQMD Regulation 6, Rule 3.
City of San Mateo Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Portions of western San Mateo are mapped in CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zones. New construction in these areas must meet Chapter 7A of the California Building Code for ignition-resistant construction. The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department enforces fire hazard zone requirements.
San Mateo Wildfire Hazard Zones
Some RestrictionsCA Public Resources Code §§ 4201-4204; 14 CCR § 1280; CA Government Code §§ 51175-51189
What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? 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 Reg...
Smoke Detectors
The City of San Mateo enforces smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements through the California Residential Code (CRC R314 and R315) as adopted under San Mateo Municipal Code Title 23, plus California Health & Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 17926. Alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story including basements. San Mateo Consolidated Fire enforces these standards across the city.
San Mateo Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Fire Regulations in San Mateo County →