Fire Pit Rules: Burbank vs Long Beach
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Burbank and Long Beach 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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Portable fire pits are allowed in Long Beach on private property with conditions. Fires must be attended at all times. South Coast AQMD spare-the-air day restrictions apply. Beach fire rings are available at designated locations.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Portable Pits | - | Allowed with conditions |
| Attended | - | Must be attended at all times |
| AQMD | - | No burns on spare-the-air days |
| Beach Fires | - | Designated fire rings only |
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.
Long Beach FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Long Beach?
Gas-fueled fire pits allowed with building permit approval. Wood-burning fire pits prohibited within 25 feet of combustible structures. Subject to SCAQMD Spare the Air restrictions.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Long Beach?
Gas Fire Pits: Allowed with building permit. Wood Burning: Min. 25 ft from combustible structures. Spark Arrester: Required for portable fire pits. No-Burn Days: SCAQMD Spare the Air restrictions apply.
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