Fire Pit Rules: Tulare vs Visalia
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Tulare Municipal Code Ch. 3.12 (Outdoor Burning) permits residential fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces only if the fire area is 3 feet or less in diameter, fuel is clean dry wood or charcoal, and the device sits at least 10 feet from any structure or combustible material (exception for outdoor fireplaces at one- and two-family dwellings). Fires must be constantly attended by a non-impaired adult.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Visalia allows recreational fire pits under specific conditions. Fire pits must be properly contained, maintained at safe distances from structures, and attended at all times.
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | TMC Ch. 3.12; § 3.08.010 (adopts CFC) | - |
| Max fire area | 3 ft diameter | - |
| Setback from structures | 10 ft (except 1-/2-family dwellings) | - |
| Allowed fuel | Clean dry wood or charcoal only | - |
| Air District overlay | SJVAPCD Rule 4901 — No-Burn Days Nov 1 – Feb 28 | - |
| Container | - | Non-combustible required |
| Supervision | - | Must be attended |
| Fuel | - | Clean firewood or gas |
| No-Burn Days | - | Wood restricted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Tulare?
Yes. TMC Ch. 3.12 allows fire pits, chimineas and outdoor fireplaces with a fire area no larger than 3 feet in diameter, burning only clean dry wood or charcoal, and constantly attended by a sober adult.
How far from my house does the pit need to be?
The general code requires 10 feet from any structure or combustible material, but one- and two-family dwellings are excepted from that setback for outdoor fireplaces.
What about No-Burn Days?
Even when Tulare allows your pit, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Rule 4901) may declare a No-Burn Day Nov 1 – Feb 28. Wood burning is prohibited those days valley-wide; check valleyair.org.
Visalia FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in Visalia?
Yes, if properly contained, attended at all times, and using only clean fuel. Check SJVAPCD no-burn day status before lighting wood fires.
Are gas fire pits allowed in Visalia?
Yes. Gas-fueled fire pits are allowed and not subject to no-burn day restrictions.
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