2 rules for unincorporated Madera County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Backyard barbecuing with small propane cylinders is generally allowed at homes in Madera County. Rules come from the adopted California Fire Code (county Title 14): keep fires/grills away from combustibles and structures, and in foothill State Responsibility Areas observe defensible space and seasonal fire restrictions.
Backyard meat smokers are generally allowed in Madera County and are not separately licensed. Wood- and charcoal-fired smokers are treated like recreational/cooking fires under the adopted California Fire Code (25-foot setback, attended, extinguisher ready). On San Joaquin Valley Air District no-burn days, solid-fuel use can be restricted.
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