Fire Pit Rules: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln has fewer restrictions than Rocklin.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
Recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces in Lincoln are regulated by the California Fire Code (CFC §307) as adopted under the city's building/fire code, and the open-burning controls in Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 8.28 (Burning) administered with the Placer County Air Pollution Control District. Wood- or charcoal-fueled recreational fires must be limited in size and set back from structures and combustibles.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin Fire Prevention prohibits open outdoor burning citywide, and Placer County Air Pollution Control District Rule 301 lists Rocklin among incorporated cities where residential burning is not allowed. Gas-fueled fire pits and chimineas are not banned by the City Fire Prevention page, but any open-flame device is subject to the 2022 California Fire Code adopted via Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 (CFC §307 recreational fires).
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | No, if recreational fire meets size limits and is not on a no-burn day | - |
| Max fuel area | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high (CFC §307.1) | - |
| Setback from structures | 25 ft (recreational fire), 15 ft (portable fireplace) | - |
| No-burn day check | Placer County APCD (530-889-6868) | - |
| City rule | - | Outdoor burning NOT allowed in city limits (Fire Prevention Division) |
| Fire code adopted | - | 2022 California Fire Code via RMC Ch. 15.04 |
| Recreational fire limit (CFC §307.4.2) | - | 3 ft pile max, 25 ft setback, adult attended |
| APCD status | - | Rocklin listed as no-burn city under Placer County APCD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Lincoln?
No permit is required for a recreational fire that meets the CFC §307.1 size limits and is for warmth, cooking, or ceremony, but it must be attended, set back from structures, and not produce a smoke nuisance.
Can I use my fire pit on a Spare-the-Air day?
Wood-burning recreational fires for cooking or warmth are generally exempt from the Placer County APCD burn-day rule, but you must still avoid creating a smoke nuisance and follow any Red Flag Warning restrictions issued by CAL FIRE.
How close to my house can I put a fire pit?
Per CFC §307.4.2, a recreational fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; a manufactured portable outdoor fireplace must be at least 15 feet (CFC §307.4.3).
Rocklin FAQ
Can I use a propane fire pit on my Rocklin patio?
The City's general open-burning ban targets wood/debris burning. Manufactured propane appliances installed and used per CFC Chapter 61 are not 'open burning,' but you should still observe Red Flag and No-Burn advisories and the 2022 CFC §307.4.3 setback for portable outdoor fireplaces (15 ft from structures).
Who enforces fire pit complaints?
Rocklin Fire Prevention at (916) 625-5300 or fireprevention@rocklin.ca.us; air-quality complaints go to Placer County APCD.
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