Fire Regulations in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
4 verified fire regulations for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fireworks
All fireworks are illegal in Santa Monica, including California State Fire Marshal-approved Safe and Sane fireworks. The only exceptions are City Council-approved aerial public displays, pyrotechnic effects for film and theatrical productions, and use by state or federal authorities.
Fire: Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 8.40.020 (amending California Fire Code Chapter 56, Section 5601.1.3)
5601.1.3 Fireworks. All fireworks shall be illegal in the City of Santa Monica including California State Fire Marshal "Safe and Sane" fireworks. No person shall possess, transport, sell, or offer for sale any such fireworks. Exception: 1. Aerial public fireworks display as approved by City Council. 2. The use of fireworks for pyrotechnics special effects in motion picture, television, theatric...
Brush Clearance
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited wildfire risk, but properties near the Santa Monica Mountains may fall in fire hazard zones.
Santa Monica Brush Clearance Requirements
Significant 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...
Wildfire Zones
Santa Monica has formally designated Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on recommendations by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Properties in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and wildland-urban interface areas must maintain required hazardous vegetation and fuel management under the adopted California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Some RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code §§ 8.46.010–8.46.030
§ 8.46.010. Designation. The City of Santa Monica hereby designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. The map, approved by the City, is hereby incorporated by reference, and entitled, "City of Santa Monica Fire Hazard Severity Zones." (Ord. No. 2819CCS, 6/24/2025) § 8.46.020. Map....
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are required in every residential dwelling, apartment, guestroom, condominium, and hotel or motel room in Santa Monica. Additional smoke detectors must be installed when remodeling a home beyond certain thresholds, and sellers must certify detectors are installed before a property sale.
Building Safety: Smoke Alarms
Some RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 8.44.100
§ 8.44.100. Smoke detectors--Existing residential occupancies. (a) General. In every existing apartment, dwelling unit, guestroom, one- or two-family dwelling or condominium, hotel or motel room, smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this Section. (b) Existing Group R Occupancies. On or before July 1, 2001 approved and listed smoke detectors, which may be batte...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
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