Fire Pit Rules: El Monte vs Pasadena
How do fire pit rules rules compare between El Monte, CA and Pasadena, CA?
El Monte and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
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 →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena allows recreational fire pits in approved containers at least 15 feet from structures. Gas-fueled fire pits are preferred. Wood-burning pits are subject to SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Attendance | Constant adult supervision required until extinguished | Must be attended at all times |
| Winter no-burn days | SCAQMD Check Before You Burn Nov 1 - Feb 28 | - |
| Setback | - | 15 feet from structures |
| Gas Pits | - | Preferred, exempt from no-burn days |
| Wood Pits | - | Subject to no-burn day restrictions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Pasadena?
Yes. Gas-fueled pits are preferred. Wood-burning pits must be in approved containers, 15 feet from structures, and respect no-burn days.
What are no-burn days?
SCAQMD declares no-burn days during poor air quality. Wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces may not be used on these days.
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