Fire Pit Rules: Burbank vs El Monte
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and El Monte, CA?
Burbank and El Monte have similar restriction levels.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
Burbank has no fire-pit-specific ordinance, but it adopts the 2025 California Fire Code in Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9, which governs recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. Under the adopted code a recreational fire must be kept 25 feet from structures and combustibles, and a portable outdoor fireplace 15 feet (except at one- and two-family dwellings), and the fire must be constantly attended until extinguished.
View full Burbank rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte adopts the California Fire Code under Municipal Code Chapter 15.34. CFC Section 307 requires recreational fires stay 25 feet from structures and portable outdoor fireplaces stay 15 feet from combustibles, with constant attendance until extinguished.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 9-1-9 (adopts 2025 CFC); CFC 307.4 | - |
| Recreational fire setback | 25 ft from structures/combustibles (CFC 307.4.2) | - |
| Portable fireplace setback | 15 ft, except 1-2 family dwellings (CFC 307.4.3) | - |
| Attendance | Must be constantly attended until extinguished (CFC 307.5) | Constant adult supervision required until extinguished |
| Permit required | - | No for recreational fires under 3 ft diameter; yes for larger bonfires (CFC 105.6.30) |
| Distance from structures | - | 25 ft (recreational fires); 15 ft (portable fireplaces) |
| Maximum pile size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Winter no-burn days | - | SCAQMD Check Before You Burn Nov 1 - Feb 28 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Burbank?
Burbank has no ordinance banning residential fire pits, but you must follow the adopted California Fire Code: keep a recreational fire 25 feet from anything that can burn, keep a portable outdoor fireplace 15 feet away (this distance is excepted at one- and two-family homes), and never leave the fire unattended.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
A normal recreational fire at a home is not the same as 'open burning,' which does require a Fire Code Official permit under BMC 9-1-9-307.1.1.1. Check directly with the Burbank Fire Department, and never burn on a Spare the Air / South Coast AQMD no-burn day.
El Monte FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in El Monte?
Yes. Propane and natural gas fire pits are unrestricted. Wood-burning recreational fires must be kept 25 feet from structures and 3 feet in diameter or smaller per California Fire Code Section 307.4.2 (adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34).
Are wood-burning fire pits allowed every day?
Not in winter. SCAQMD Rule 445 prohibits residential wood burning on no-burn days called by South Coast AQMD between November 1 and the end of February. Check southcoastaqmd.gov before lighting a wood fire.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is needed for a small recreational fire or manufactured portable fireplace at a single-family home. CFC Section 105.6.30 requires a permit only for open burning, bonfires, or fires exceeding the 3-foot recreational limit.
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