Outdoor Burning: Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Costa Mesa and Garden Grove have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa prohibits outdoor burning of trash and refuse. Rubbish may only be burned in approved incinerators. Gas-fueled outdoor fire devices are the primary permitted option. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove prohibits outdoor burning of wood and solid fuels within 25 feet of combustible structures. Open burning of yard waste and trash is not permitted. Only approved gas-fueled devices and permanent fireplaces are allowed for recreational fires.
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited citywide | Prohibited citywide |
| Trash Burning | Approved incinerators only | - |
| SCAQMD | Rule 444 — no open refuse burning | - |
| Gas Devices | Allowed with Building Dept approval | Allowed with Building Dept approval |
| Cooking | BBQs generally permitted | - |
| Yard Waste Burning | - | Not allowed |
| SCAQMD Rule | - | Rule 444 — no open refuse burning |
| Enforcement | - | OCFA and SCAQMD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Costa Mesa?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited. SCAQMD Rule 444 bans open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
What outdoor fires are allowed?
Gas-fueled fire pits and outdoor fireplaces approved by the Building Department. Wood-burning devices in approved permanent fireplaces with proper clearance.
What about no-burn days?
SCAQMD issues no-burn alerts during poor air quality days, prohibiting all residential wood burning. Check SCAQMD for current alerts.
Garden Grove FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Garden Grove?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited throughout Garden Grove. SCAQMD Rule 444 also prohibits open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
What outdoor fires are allowed in Garden Grove?
Gas-fueled fire pits and outdoor fireplaces approved by the Building Department, and wood fires in approved permanent fireplaces with proper clearance from combustible structures.
What about no-burn days?
SCAQMD issues no-burn alerts during poor air quality days, which prohibit all residential wood burning including in fireplaces. Check SCAQMD for current alerts.
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