2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Ventura County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Backyard barbecuing at single-family homes in unincorporated Ventura County is generally allowed and unlicensed, but follows the adopted California Fire Code (2022 CFC, VCFPD Ordinance 32). CFC §308.1.4 bars charcoal/open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 ft of combustibles, with exceptions for one- and two-family and sprinklered buildings. Small propane BBQ cylinders are exempt from separation distances.
Backyard smokers — charcoal, pellet, or propane — are outdoor cooking devices under the California Fire Code adopted by the Ventura County Fire Protection District (2022 CFC, Ordinance 32), not 'open burning,' so no burn permit is needed. CFC §308.1.4 still bars charcoal/open-flame devices on combustible balconies or within 10 ft of combustibles. Persistent smoke can be a public nuisance.
3 cities in Ventura County have their own outdoor cooking rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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