Fire Pit Rules: Los Angeles vs Santa Monica
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Los Angeles and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational fires in fire pits are allowed in Los Angeles but must comply with SCAQMD Rule 444 and LAMC fire code provisions. Fires must be in approved containers, no larger than 3 feet in diameter, at least 15 feet from structures, and never during SCAQMD no-burn days. Wood-burning fire pits may be further restricted in the VHFHSZ.
View full Los Angeles 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 | Los Angeles | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Approved fire pit required | - |
| Distance | 15 ft minimum from structures | - |
| No-Burn Days | Prohibited during SCAQMD alerts | - |
| VHFHSZ | Additional restrictions may apply | - |
| Size Limit | 3 ft diameter max | - |
| 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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in los Angeles?
Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed with building department approval. Solid-fuel (wood-burning) fire pits subject to SCAQMD restrictions and LAFD Fire Code setback rules.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in los Angeles?
Gas Fire Pits: Allowed with building dept approval. Wood Burning: Min. 25 ft from combustible structures. Spare the Air: All outdoor burning may be restricted. Red Flag: All burning prohibited.
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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