Fire Pit Rules: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley bans virtually all open flame and wood-burning fire pits outdoors due to BAAQMD Regulation 6 and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) restrictions. Only fully enclosed gas appliances are tolerated.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro fire pits must follow CA Fire Code 307 plus Alameda County Fire Department rules. Max 3 ft diameter, 15 ft setback from structures, attended at all times.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Wood fire pits | Prohibited citywide | - |
| Gas pits allowed | Enclosed UL-listed only | - |
| VHFHSZ | Berkeley Hills - all open flame banned | - |
| Red Flag days | No outdoor flame permitted | - |
| Contact | BFD (510) 981-2489 | - |
| Max Size | - | 3 ft diameter |
| Setback | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Authority | - | ACFD + CFC 307 |
| Fuel | - | Clean wood or gas only |
| Spare Air | - | No wood burning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in the Berkeley Hills?
No. The Berkeley Hills are a CAL FIRE VHFHSZ and the Fire Department prohibits open-flame fire pits and chimineas. Only enclosed gas appliances are tolerated, and they must be shut off during Red Flag Warnings.
Are propane fire tables legal in the flats?
Yes, provided the unit is UL-listed, fully enclosed, kept at least 10 feet from any structure or vegetation, and not operated during Spare the Air alerts from BAAQMD.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I use a propane fire pit on my patio in San Leandro?
Yes. Propane and natural gas fire pits are allowed with shorter setbacks since they have shutoff valves, but never use them under awnings.
Does San Leandro ban fire pits during Spare the Air days?
Wood-burning fire pits are banned during BAAQMD Spare the Air alerts. Gas pits remain legal.
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