Fire Pit Rules: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View allows portable outdoor fire pits fueled by natural gas or propane. Open wood burning is generally prohibited on Spare the Air days declared by BAAQMD.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed in San Jose with clearance requirements under the 2022 Fire Code. Recreational fires need 25-foot setback from structures.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Gas fire pits | Allowed year-round | - |
| Wood burning | Banned on Spare the Air days | - |
| Clearance | 10 feet from structures | - |
| Supervision | Must be attended | - |
| Regulator | BAAQMD Reg 6, Rule 3 | - |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Portable Units | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Attendance | - | Required at all times |
| Air Quality | - | BAAQMD restrictions apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I use a propane fire pit on my patio?
Yes, propane and natural gas fire pits are allowed in Mountain View and are exempt from BAAQMD Spare the Air wood-burning bans.
How do I check if wood burning is banned today?
Visit sparetheair.org or sign up for BAAQMD alerts to see whether a no-burn day has been declared for the Bay Area.
San Jose FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in San Jose?
Fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed in San Jose with clearance requirements under the 2022 Fire Code. Recreational fires need 25-foot setback from structures.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in San Jose?
Setback: 25 ft from structures. Portable Units: 15 ft from structures. Attendance: Required at all times. Air Quality: BAAQMD restrictions apply.
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