Outdoor Cooking in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
2 verified outdoor cooking rules for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
BBQ & Propane Rules
Propane and charcoal barbecues are allowed in Santa Barbara, but the City Fire Code restricts placement. In High Fire Hazard Areas, barbecues and grills must be at least 30 feet from grass, brush, or trees with spark-arrester-covered openings, and larger LP-gas tanks are barred from combustible multifamily balconies.
Santa Barbara BBQ and Propane Rules
Some RestrictionsSmoker Rules
Backyard smokers are allowed in Santa Barbara as recreational cooking. The City Fire Code treats them like barbecues: in High Fire Hazard Areas they must be at least 30 feet from grass, brush, or trees with covered openings. The Santa Barbara County APCD bans residential waste burning, not cooking smoke.
Santa Barbara Smoker Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Outdoor Cooking in Santa Barbara County →