Fire Pit Rules: Menifee vs Riverside
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Menifee, CA and Riverside, CA?
Menifee has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
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 →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
Riverside permits small recreational fires in approved pits, but bonfires and open burning require a Fire Department permit at least 24 hours in advance. Distance, size, and supervision rules are strictly enforced under the California Fire Code as adopted by RMC Chapter 16.32.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Menifee | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit required (bonfire/open burn) | - | Yes — 24 hours in advance |
| Max recreational fire size | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall |
| Setback from structure (open fire) | - | 25 feet |
| Setback from structure (barbecue pit) | - | 15 feet |
| Adult supervision | - | Required until fully extinguished |
| Governing code | - | RMC Ch. 16.32 / CFC §307 |
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.
Riverside FAQ
Can I have a backyard chiminea or propane patio fire feature?
Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, gas fire bowls) are allowed at one- and two-family dwellings without a permit when used per manufacturer instructions, kept at least 15 feet from structures, and never used on combustible balconies. Multifamily and apartment use is restricted by CFC 307.5.
Do I need a permit for a small recreational backyard fire pit?
A permit is not required for a recreational fire 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Anything larger, or a true bonfire, requires a written City of Riverside Fire Department permit at least 24 hours before ignition.
Can I burn yard waste or trash?
No. The Fire Code Official prohibits open burning for waste disposal. South Coast AQMD rules also generally ban residential open burning in the Riverside basin.
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