Fire Pit Rules: Menifee vs Moreno Valley
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Menifee, CA and Moreno Valley, CA?
Menifee and Moreno Valley have similar restriction levels.
Menifee, CA
Riverside County
Menifee adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (with 2025 CCR Title 24 amendments) via Menifee Municipal Code Chapter 8.20. Under CFC §307.4.2, recreational fires must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, fuel pile may not exceed 3 ft diameter / 2 ft high, and a means of extinguishment must be on hand. Gas-fueled fire pits / chimineas are generally permitted at residences without a permit; solid-fuel wood fires need supervision and are barred during No-Burn alerts issued by South Coast AQMD.
View full Menifee rules →Moreno Valley, CA
Riverside County
Moreno Valley allows recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fire pits must maintain clearance from structures, use approved fuels, and comply with SCAQMD no-burn alerts. Gas fire pits avoid wood-burning restrictions.
View full Moreno Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Menifee | Moreno Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Code adopted | 2022 California Fire Code (now 2025 CCR Title 24) via MMC §8.20.010 | - |
| Setback from structures | 25 ft (wood); 15 ft (portable fireplace) — CFC §307.4 | - |
| Pile size limit | 3 ft diameter × 2 ft high (CFC §307.4.2) | - |
| Gas fire pit permit | Not required for residential gas-only units | - |
| No-Burn alerts | South Coast AQMD bans wood burning on alert days | - |
| Supervision | Adult attendance with extinguishment means required | - |
| Setback | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Fuel | - | Clean wood or gas |
| Screen | - | Spark arrestor required |
| No-Burn Days | - | Must comply with SCAQMD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Menifee FAQ
Do I need a permit to have a backyard fire pit in Menifee?
No permit is required for a residential recreational fire that complies with CFC §307.4.2 (under 3 ft × 2 ft, 25 ft from structures, attended). Commercial events and bonfires over those limits require a Riverside County Fire / CAL FIRE permit per CFC §105.5.
Can I burn wood in my fire pit on any night?
Not during a South Coast AQMD Check Before You Burn No-Burn alert, and not during a Red Flag warning or CAL FIRE burn ban. Gas-fueled fire pits are exempt from AQMD No-Burn rules.
How far must my chiminea be from the house?
A manufactured portable outdoor fireplace must be at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material per CFC §307.4.3, and used per manufacturer's instructions.
Moreno Valley FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Moreno Valley?
Yes, with restrictions: 15 ft from structures, spark screen, clean fuel. Must comply with SCAQMD no-burn days.
Are gas fire pits allowed?
Yes, gas fire pits avoid SCAQMD wood-burning restrictions and are encouraged.
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