Fire Pit Rules: South Gate vs Torrance
How do fire pit rules rules compare between South Gate, CA and Torrance, CA?
South Gate and Torrance have similar restriction levels.
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 →Torrance, CA
Los Angeles County
Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from combustible structures and equipped with spark arresters. Open burning requires SCAQMD permit and fire department approval.
View full Torrance rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Gate | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Distance | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Spark Arrester | - | Required |
| Wind Limit | - | No fires if winds exceed 10 mph |
| SCAQMD | - | No-burn days enforced |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Torrance FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Torrance?
Fire pits must be at least 15 feet from combustible structures and equipped with spark arresters. Open burning requires SCAQMD permit and fire department approval.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Torrance?
Distance: 15 ft from structures. Spark Arrester: Required. Wind Limit: No fires if winds exceed 10 mph. SCAQMD: No-burn days enforced.
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