Fire Regulations in San Bernardino County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in San Bernardino County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

San Bernardino County bans solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques and fire pits at short-term rentals in the Mountain Region under County Code § 84.28.070(j)(1). STR owners there also must keep the property free of hazardous conditions and keep spas and hot tubs covered and locked when not in use.

San Bernardino County Mountain STR Fire Pit Ban

Heavy Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 84.28.070(j)(1)

(j) Safety. (1) Solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits are prohibited in the Mountain Region. (2) The interior and exterior of the STR shall be kept free of hazardous conditions at all times. (3) Spas/hot tubs shall be covered and locked when not in use.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Brush Clearance

San Bernardino County Land Use Services requires property owners in wildfire-prone unincorporated areas to maintain defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation. The County advises maintaining 100 feet of defensible space, consistent with California Public Resources Code 4291. A seasonal Fire Hazard Abatement program inspects for compliance.

San Bernardino County Brush Clearance / Defensible Space

Light Restrictions

California Public Resources Code Section 4291 (Defensible Space)

4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildfire Zones

Much of unincorporated San Bernardino County (San Bernardino Mountains, foothills, and wildland areas) lies in Moderate, High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance No. 4489 (June 10, 2025) designating Local Responsibility Area zones, and the County's Fire Safety Overlay (Development Code Chapter 82.13) imposes extra building standards.

San Bernardino County Wildfire / Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Some Restrictions

California Public Resources Code 4201-4204; CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones

What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Reg...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoke Detectors

San Bernardino County Code § 23.0205 requires a State Fire Marshal-listed smoke detector in every existing single-family dwelling, manufactured home and mobilehome in the unincorporated area. Owners must supply, install and maintain the units under Health and Safety Code § 13114, and a violation is charged as an infraction with escalating fines for repeat offenses within a year.

San Bernardino County Smoke Detector Rule

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 23.0205

A smoke detector, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal, pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 13114, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, in every existing single-family dwelling, manufactured home, and mobilehome intended for human occupancy. (a) The owner of each single-family dwelling, manufactured home and mobilehome shall supply and install smoke ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Propane Storage

San Bernardino County's Development Code allows a residential propane tank to encroach up to 4 feet into the rear setback only, never the interior side yard, and requires siting per the California Fire Code.

San Bernardino County Propane Tank Setbacks

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 83.02.080, Table 83-5 (Allowed Projections/Structures Within Setbacks)

Water tanks, propane tanks sited per California Fire Code and maintained in compliance with standards specified by § 83.01.060 (Fire Hazards) Not allowed Not allowed 4 ft. Propane tanks in Mountain Region only when sited per California Fire Code and maintained in compliance with standards specified by § 83.01.060 (Fire Hazards) Allowed when screened from view Not allowed 4 ft.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗