Fire Pit Rules: Burbank vs Los Angeles
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Burbank, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Burbank and Los Angeles 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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational fires in fire pits are allowed in Los Angeles but must comply with SCAQMD Rule 444 and LAMC fire code provisions. Fires must be in approved containers, no larger than 3 feet in diameter, at least 15 feet from structures, and never during SCAQMD no-burn days. Wood-burning fire pits may be further restricted in the VHFHSZ.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Container | - | Approved fire pit required |
| Distance | - | 15 ft minimum from structures |
| No-Burn Days | - | Prohibited during SCAQMD alerts |
| VHFHSZ | - | Additional restrictions may apply |
| Size Limit | - | 3 ft diameter max |
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in los Angeles?
Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed with building department approval. Solid-fuel (wood-burning) fire pits subject to SCAQMD restrictions and LAFD Fire Code setback rules.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in los Angeles?
Gas Fire Pits: Allowed with building dept approval. Wood Burning: Min. 25 ft from combustible structures. Spare the Air: All outdoor burning may be restricted. Red Flag: All burning prohibited.
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