Outdoor Cooking in Merced County, CA (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Smoker Rules
An outdoor smoker, stove, or similar open-flame cooking appliance at a home in unincorporated Merced County does not need a fire permit under Code Section 9.24.130's dooryard exemption. The permit requirement only kicks in if the appliance sits within 500 feet of forest, brush, or grass-covered land outside a building or a home's dooryard.
Merced County Outdoor Smoker Fire Rule
Light RestrictionsMerced County Code § 9.24.130
...or to maintain or cause or permit to be maintained within 500 feet of any forest, brush or grass-covered land any lighted appliance having an open flame including stove, lantern, heater, lamp, torch or similar appliance; ... unless a permit to do so is first obtained from the county fire chief. Nothing in this section shall apply to the use of any such heating or lighting appliance within an...
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