Fire Regulations in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and barbecues are regulated by the City Fire Code (Municipal Code Ch. 8.04). In High Fire Hazard Areas they must sit at least 30 feet from grass, brush, or forested areas, be kept in safe condition, and have an approved spark arrester, screen, or door over openings.
Santa Barbara Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
The City of Santa Barbara bans all fireworks. Under the City Fire Code (Municipal Code Ch. 8.04, adopting Fire Code Section 5601.1.3), the manufacturing, possession, storage, sale, use, and handling of fireworks are prohibited citywide, including state-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks.
Santa Barbara Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Properties in Santa Barbara's High Fire Hazard Areas must maintain defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation 30 to 150 feet around structures, depending on the fire zone, under the City Fire Code (Municipal Code Ch. 8.04, Section 4907). Roadside clearance of 10 feet on each side is also required.
Santa Barbara Brush Clearance
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning of household and yard waste is not allowed in Santa Barbara. The City Fire Code prohibits open burning that is offensive due to smoke, and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) bans residential waste burning district-wide. Any allowed burning requires a permit.
Santa Barbara Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Santa Barbara's foothills are mapped as High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones / Wildland-Urban Interface. The City Fire Code (Municipal Code Ch. 8.04) defines four zones - Coastal Interior, Coastal, Foothill, and Extreme Foothill - each with escalating defensible space and construction requirements.
Santa Barbara Wildfire Zones
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Smoke alarm requirements in Santa Barbara follow California law. State Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13113.8 require State Fire Marshal-listed smoke alarms in every dwelling and an operable alarm in every single-family home that is sold, with a written compliance statement to the buyer.
Santa Barbara Smoke Detectors
Some RestrictionsBackyard Fires
In Santa Barbara's High Fire Hazard Areas, outdoor fires require a permit from the fire code official and are banned during high winds, when unattended, or during a Red Flag Warning (City Fire Code Section 4909.9). Open burning offensive due to smoke is prohibited citywide.
Santa Barbara Backyard Fires
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
The City Fire Code (Municipal Code Ch. 8.04, amended Section 308.1.4.1) limits propane appliances. LP-gas burners with a container over 25 pounds (5 gallons) water capacity may not be placed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, except at one- and two-family dwellings.
Santa Barbara Propane Storage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Fire Regulations in Santa Barbara County →