Fire Pit Rules: Pomona vs South Gate
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Pomona, CA and South Gate, CA?
Pomona and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Pomona, CA
Los Angeles County
Recreational fires in Pomona must comply with LA County Fire Code and South Coast AQMD regulations. Open burning requires AQMD permits. Spare-the-air day restrictions apply throughout the South Coast Air Basin.
View full Pomona 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 | Pomona | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | AQMD permit for open burning | - |
| Spare-the-Air | No burning on restricted days | - |
| Fire Code | LA County Fire Code applies | - |
| Setbacks | Per California Fire Code requirements | - |
| 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.
Pomona FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Pomona?
Recreational fires in Pomona must comply with LA County Fire Code and South Coast AQMD regulations. Open burning requires AQMD permits. Spare-the-air day restrictions apply throughout the South Coast Air Basin.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Pomona?
Permit: AQMD permit for open burning. Spare-the-Air: No burning on restricted days. Fire Code: LA County Fire Code applies. Setbacks: Per California Fire Code requirements.
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.
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