Fire Pit Rules: Los Angeles vs South Gate
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and South Gate, CA?
Los Angeles and South Gate 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 →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 | Los Angeles | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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 Los Angeles 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