Backyard recreational fires in Gardena are allowed under the Los Angeles County Fire Code (Municipal Code Chapter 8.08), but burning yard waste or trash is not. They must be small, burn clean wood or charcoal, be attended, and stay clear of structures. The fire department can order offensive fires out.
Gardena distinguishes a permitted recreational fire from prohibited open burning. Under the Los Angeles County Fire Code adopted as Chapter 8.08, a recreational fire burns clean wood or charcoal with a fuel area about 3 feet or less across and 2 feet or less high. County Fire Code Section 307.6 allows such fires on private property outside hazardous fire areas, plus approved portable fireplaces, generally without a permit if not used to burn waste. Larger fires or burning leaves, brush or debris require an open-burning permit; routine trash burning is barred by SCAQMD burn-day rules. Keep a hose ready, attend the fire until out, and keep it clear of fences. The fire code official may order any hazardous fire extinguished.
A backyard fire that exceeds recreational-fire size, burns prohibited materials, or is left unattended is treated as illegal open burning under the county fire code (GMC 8.08). Smoke crossing property lines may draw a nuisance citation under Rule 402.
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Gardena permits artificial turf as a landscape ground cover, but its zoning standards (GMC Section 18.42.075) still require at least 75% water-efficient livi...
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