Fire Pit Rules: Glendale vs South Gate
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Glendale, CA and South Gate, CA?
Glendale and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
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 →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) through South Gate Municipal Code Title 9 (Buildings and Construction). CFC Section 307.4.2 governs recreational fires: portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits burning clean wood or approved fuels are permitted on residential property when not prohibited by the local fire code official, but open burning of vegetation or rubbish is banned countywide under South Coast AQMD Rule 444.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Fire pit size limit | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height (CFC §307.4.2) |
| Setback from structures | - | 25 ft (or 15 ft for UL-listed portable outdoor fireplaces) |
| Open vegetation/refuse burning | - | Banned by SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| No-burn day authority | - | South Coast AQMD |
| Wildfire zone | - | Not in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
South Gate FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in South Gate?
Yes, gas or clean-wood-burning fire pits are allowed if the fire is no larger than 3 ft x 2 ft, kept 25 ft from structures, constantly attended, and an extinguishment method is on hand (California Fire Code §307.4.2). On a SCAQMD no-burn day, wood-burning is prohibited.
Can I burn yard waste in a fire pit?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits open burning of vegetation, leaves, or yard waste anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin including South Gate. Use green-waste curbside collection instead.
Are gas fire pits regulated the same as wood?
Gas (natural gas/propane) fire features are not subject to SCAQMD wood-burning curtailment rules but must still meet CFC §307 clearance and attendance requirements and any plumbing/gas-line permit requirements under Title 9.
Compare other topics
See how Glendale and South Gate 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