Fire Pit Rules: Carson vs Glendale
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Carson, CA and Glendale, CA?
Carson and Glendale have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson contracts fire/EMS to the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), so the California Fire Code adopted at LA County Code Title 32 governs residential outdoor fires. Portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires are allowed but must be set back from structures, attended at all times, and use only clean fuel.
View full Carson rules →Glendale, CA
Los Angeles County
Glendale allows recreational fire pits in approved containers using clean-burning fuels. Pits must maintain clearance from structures and combustible materials. No-burn days issued by SCAQMD must be observed. Properties in fire hazard zones have additional restrictions.
View full Glendale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Fire authority | LA County Fire Department (LACoFD) — contract service | - |
| Recreational fire setback | 25 ft from structure (CFC §307.4.2); 15 ft for portable outdoor fireplaces | - |
| Adopted code | California Fire Code (Title 24 Part 9) as amended by LA County Code Title 32 | - |
| Permitted fuel | Seasoned firewood, charcoal, manufactured logs, natural gas, propane | - |
| AQMD no-burn | South Coast AQMD Rule 445 may prohibit wood burning on Check Before You Burn days | - |
| Containment | - | Approved manufactured container required |
| Fuel | - | Dry wood, charcoal, gas/propane |
| Clearance | - | 15 feet from structures |
| Fire Hazard Zones | - | Additional restrictions may apply |
| No-Burn Days | - | All wood fires prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Carson?
Yes. Portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires are allowed under California Fire Code §307.4 (as adopted via LA County Title 32) when kept at least 15–25 feet from structures, attended, and burning only clean fuel.
Can I burn yard waste in a fire pit?
No. CFC §307.4 limits recreational fires to seasoned firewood and similar clean fuel. Burning leaves, trash, or treated wood is prohibited and also violates SCAQMD air-quality rules.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is required for a portable recreational fire pit meeting the setback rules. Permanent built-in fire features may require a building permit from Carson Building & Safety under the adopted California Building Code.
Glendale FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Glendale?
Yes, in an approved container with clean fuel and at least 15 feet from structures. No-burn days must be observed, and fire hazard zone properties have additional restrictions.
Can I use my fire pit on no-burn days?
Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited. Gas or propane fire pits are typically allowed on no-burn days.
Compare other topics
See how Carson and Glendale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool