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Outdoor Cooking in San Diego County, CA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in San Diego County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Smoker Rules

In unincorporated San Diego County, portable outdoor fireplaces and smokers must stay 15 feet from structures unless used at a one- or two-family home, and warming fires need a spark arrester or manufacturer specs.

San Diego County Outdoor Fireplace & Smoker Rules

Some Restrictions

San Diego County Code § 96.1.307.4.3

Sec. 307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material or combustible materials. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one-and two-family dwellings. All "warming fires", by which open burning of wood, shall have instal...

Outdoor Cooking by City in San Diego County

5 cities in San Diego County have their own outdoor cooking rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

All San Diego County ordinances

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