Fire Pit Rules: Rancho Cucamonga vs Rialto
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Rialto, CA?
Rancho Cucamonga and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Bernardino County
Rancho Cucamonga allows recreational fire pits under the California Fire Code, but foothill properties face stricter restrictions and SCAQMD Rule 445 limits wood burning on winter no-burn days.
View full Rancho Cucamonga rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto adopts the California Fire Code by reference in Municipal Code Chapter 15.28 (Fire Code). Recreational fires are governed by CFC Section 307, which limits fires to a 3-foot pile, 25 feet from any structure, and prohibits them during AQMD no-burn days. South Coast AQMD Rule 445 separately restricts wood-burning devices on declared no-burn days throughout San Bernardino County.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rancho Cucamonga | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Setback from structures | Minimum 10 feet per California Fire Code Sec. 307 | - |
| Foothill restrictions | Stricter rules in VHFHSZ (Etiwanda, north of Banyan) | - |
| Air quality check | SCAQMD Rule 445 no-burn days Nov 1 to end of February | - |
| Approved fuel | Commercial firewood, propane, natural gas, Rule 445 logs | - |
| Enforcement | Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, (909) 477-2770 | - |
| Max pile size | - | 3 ft. diameter x 2 ft. height (CFC §307.4.2) |
| Clearance from structures | - | 25 ft. minimum |
| Attendance | - | Required at all times until extinguished |
| No-burn days | - | SCAQMD Rule 445 (wood only; gas/propane exempt) |
| Code authority | - | Rialto Mun. Code Ch. 15.28 (adopts CFC by reference) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rancho Cucamonga FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in Etiwanda or the northside foothills?
Only on non-red-flag days outside of SCAQMD no-burn alerts. Gas fire pits are strongly preferred in VHFHSZ areas and RCFPD can prohibit open flames during high wind events.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is needed for standard portable or masonry pits used recreationally, but gas fire features connected to a gas line require a plumbing permit from Building and Safety.
Who responds to nuisance smoke complaints?
Call Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District for active fire hazards and Code Enforcement at (909) 477-2700 for recurring smoke nuisance complaints.
Rialto FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Rialto?
Yes, provided it is no larger than 3 ft. across, at least 25 ft. from any structure, attended at all times, and not used on an AQMD no-burn day (wood-burning only — gas/propane are exempt from no-burn rules).
Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?
No permit is required for a recreational fire that meets CFC §307.4.2 size and clearance limits. Larger bonfires or commercial fires require a permit from Rialto Fire under CFC §105.
What can I burn?
Only clean dry firewood. Burning trash, yard waste, leaves, or construction debris is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC §307.1.1.
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