Open recreational fires are prohibited in Berkeley backyards. Only enclosed gas grills and UL-listed gas patio heaters are allowed, with strict setbacks and Red Flag shutoffs.
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 and the California Fire Code prohibit open recreational fires in residential yards citywide. This includes bonfires, brush piles, burn barrels, chimineas, and wood-burning fire pits. In the Berkeley Hills VHFHSZ, even charcoal grills are discouraged on Red Flag Warning days. BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3 additionally bans wood smoke on Spare the Air days under threat of 100-dollar to 2,000-dollar fines. Gas grills (propane or natural gas) are permitted but must be kept at least 10 feet from any structure, fence, or combustible vegetation; covered decks and balconies of multi-family buildings prohibit any flame device under CFC 308.1.4. Enclosed UL-listed gas patio heaters are allowed under the same setbacks. During Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service, BFD asks residents to cease all flame use entirely. Violations are cited by Berkeley Fire Prevention at (510) 981-2489 or reported to 9-1-1 if active fire danger exists.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has no municipal ordinance limiting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard art on private property. HOA architectural guidelines under the Davis-Stirling ...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has no municipal ordinance limiting inflatable holiday decorations on private property. HOA architectural rules under the Davis-Stirling Act apply i...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley has no municipal ordinance limiting holiday lights on private residential property. Restrictions come from HOA architectural rules under the Davis-S...
Berkeley, CA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Berkeley require building, plumbing, electrical, and/or gas permits under BMC Chapter 19.28 (Building Code) when they include u...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley treats outdoor smokers as open-flame cooking devices under California Fire Code 308.1.4 as adopted in BMC 19.48. Multifamily balcony setbacks (10 ft...
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in BMC Chapter 19.48. CFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking on combustible balconies or within...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle backyard fires.
See how Berkeley's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.