Newport Beach allows recreational fires in backyards using portable devices such as chimineas and fire bowls, subject to NBMC and SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions. Fires must be small, contained, and at safe distances from structures and vegetation.
Backyard recreational fires in Newport Beach must use approved portable devices such as chimineas, manufactured fire bowls, or portable fire rings. Open bonfires on private property are prohibited. Recreational fires must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Fires must be at least 15 feet from structures, overhanging branches, and property lines. Only clean, dry wood or manufactured logs may be burned — no trash, treated lumber, or yard waste. SCAQMD mandatory no-burn days (typically November through February) prohibit all wood-burning including recreational fires. A garden hose or fire extinguisher must be readily available. Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving. Beach fire rings at designated locations are managed separately by the city. NB Fire at (949) 644-3104 for fire safety questions.
Burning during SCAQMD no-burn days carries fines up to $500 per violation. Unattended fires or fires exceeding size limits may result in NB Fire response and administrative citation. Fires causing nuisance smoke complaints may be ordered extinguished.
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach strictly regulates amplified music under NBMC Chapter 10.26 and the Unruly Gathering ordinance. Amplified sound must meet decibel standards at ...
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach establishes specific decibel thresholds under NBMC Chapter 10.26 that vary by zoning district and time of day. Residential zones allow approxim...
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 10.26 sets noise standards by zoning district. Commercial and industrial noise crossing into residential zones must comp...
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach enforces California Vehicle Code provisions regarding abandoned and inoperable vehicles on both public streets and private property. Vehicles l...
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach regulates street parking with time limits, permit zones, and seasonal restrictions, especially in coastal and high-traffic areas near beaches a...
Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach restricts the parking and storage of commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles exceeding specified weight and size limits are ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle backyard fires.
See how Newport Beach's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.