Fire Pit Rules: El Monte vs Santa Monica
How do fire pit rules rules compare between El Monte, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
El Monte and Santa Monica 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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires are limited to designated areas. Fire pits must be attended at all times.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Winter no-burn days | SCAQMD Check Before You Burn Nov 1 - Feb 28 | - |
| AQMD | - | No burns on spare-the-air days |
| Beach | - | Designated areas only |
| Attended | - | Must be supervised at all times |
| Private Property | - | Allowed with conditions |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Santa Monica?
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires are limited to designated areas. Fire pits must be attended at all times.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Santa Monica?
AQMD: No burns on spare-the-air days. Beach: Designated areas only. Attended: Must be supervised at all times. Private Property: Allowed with conditions.
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