Fire Pit Rules: Long Beach vs South Gate
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Long Beach, CA and South Gate, CA?
Long Beach and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Portable fire pits are allowed in Long Beach on private property with conditions. Fires must be attended at all times. South Coast AQMD spare-the-air day restrictions apply. Beach fire rings are available at designated locations.
View full Long Beach 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 | Long Beach | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Pits | Allowed with conditions | - |
| Attended | Must be attended at all times | - |
| AQMD | No burns on spare-the-air days | - |
| Beach Fires | Designated fire rings only | - |
| 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.
Long Beach FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Long Beach?
Gas-fueled fire pits allowed with building permit approval. Wood-burning fire pits prohibited within 25 feet of combustible structures. Subject to SCAQMD Spare the Air restrictions.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Long Beach?
Gas Fire Pits: Allowed with building permit. Wood Burning: Min. 25 ft from combustible structures. Spark Arrester: Required for portable fire pits. No-Burn Days: SCAQMD Spare the Air restrictions apply.
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.
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