Fire Regulations in Ventura, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Ventura, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Fire pits in Ventura are regulated by the California Fire Code as adopted in SBMC Title 14 and Ventura City Fire Department rules. Recreational fires must comply with setback requirements and may be prohibited during Red Flag Warning days and fire season restrictions. Ventura's high wildfire risk (post-Thomas Fire) means strict enforcement.
Ventura Fire Pit Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks are illegal in the City of Ventura, including 'safe and sane' varieties. Possession, sale, use, and storage of any fireworks is prohibited. Ventura PD actively enforces the ban including drone surveillance during July 4th. The only city in Ventura County that allows fireworks is Fillmore.
Ventura Fireworks Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Ventura requires 100-foot defensible space around all buildings in hazardous fire areas. Outbuildings and LPG tanks need 10 feet clearance to bare mineral soil plus 10 additional feet of non-flammable vegetation. All vacant parcels declared a nuisance must be entirely cleared of combustible material.
Ventura Brush Clearance & Fire Hazard Abatement
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Outdoor wood burning subject to seasonal no-burn days under Ventura County APCD and South Coast AQMD. Brush management required by June 1 each year for properties in High and Very High FHSZ under Ventura Fire Department FHRP.
fire/outdoor-burning
Some RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Ventura has significant areas designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ), particularly in hillside areas north of the city. Properties in these zones face enhanced building standards, defensible space requirements, and vegetation management mandates. The 2017 Thomas Fire underscored the city's extreme wildfire vulnerability.
Ventura Wildfire Hazard Zone Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal — Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Public Resources Code 4201-4204; CCR Title 14, Section 1280; Government 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 an...
Smoke Detectors
All residential dwellings in the City of Ventura must have smoke detectors installed per California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7. Detectors are required in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.
City of Ventura Smoke Detector Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 (Smoke Alarms in Dwellings)
(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
Ventura adopts the California Fire Code through SBMC Title 14 Chapter 14.10, which controls backyard recreational fires under CFC Section 307. Fires must be no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, used between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and the fire code official may prohibit them on Red Flag or high-wind days.
Ventura Backyard Recreational Fire Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Ventura County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ventura city rules.
Fire Regulations in Ventura County →