Corpus Christi, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Corpus Christi, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Structure setback
- 250 feet
- Dune/vegetation setback
- 75 feet
- Vehicle setback
- 25 feet
- Max campfire size
- 3 feet, any dimension
- Named exception
- Packery Channel rock jetties
- Max fine
- $2,000 per offense (fire safety)
Summary
Corpus Christi allows campfires on Gulf beaches only inside strict setbacks: 250 feet from any permanent structure, 75 feet from the vegetation line or dune, and 25 feet from any vehicle carrying combustible fuel, under Code of Ordinances Sec. 10-67. A campfire larger than three feet in any dimension does not qualify and is unlawful.
(a) As used in this section: Campfire means a fire contained in a barbecue pit constructed and maintained by the city, or in a portable barbecue pit, or an open fire in a fire pit or on the ground, and is not larger than three (3) feet in any dimension. (b) No person may build, operate, or use a fire on any beach along the Gulf of Mexico unless in accordance with the provisions of this section. (c) A person may build, operate or use a campfire on a beach along the Gulf of Mexico, only if the person complies with all of the following conditions: (1) The campfire is at least two hundred fifty (250) feet from any permanent structure, at least seventy-five (75) feet from any vegetation line or dune, and at least twenty-five (25) feet from any vehicle with combustible fuel... (d) All campfires must be extinguished when no longer in use. No hot embers may be left on or buried in the sand. Embers must be thoroughly doused with water and cool to the touch before the person who built the campfire leaves the site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " Anything bigger, or any fire built outside the rules of this section, is unlawful on any Gulf of Mexico beach in the city under subsection (b). To qualify as a lawful campfire under subsection (c), the fire must sit at least 250 feet from any permanent structure, at least 75 feet from any vegetation line or dune, and at least 25 feet from any vehicle carrying combustible fuel; the ordinance carves out one named exception, allowing campfires built adjacent to the Packery Channel rock jetties despite the 250-foot structure setback, so long as every other condition in the subsection is met.
The fire must also be built so embers cannot reach dune vegetation, and it may only be built from material that leaves ash or coal residue: pallets, plastics, furniture, and anything that leaves metal or hazardous residue are barred as fuel. Subsection (d) requires every campfire to be fully extinguished before the builder leaves, embers doused with water until cool to the touch, with none left buried in the sand. The section was adopted by Ord. No. 24737, Sec. 3 (Jan. 22, 2002) and amended by Ord. No. 030784, Sec. 1 (Mar. 8, 2016).
Violations & Fines
Building or using a fire on a Gulf beach outside these conditions is unlawful under subsection (b) of Sec. 10-67. Because the ordinance governs fire safety, the city's general penalty section, Sec. 1-6(d), caps the fine for a fire-safety violation of the Code at $2,000.00 per offense, and Sec. 1-6.1 makes each day a violation continues a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a Gulf beach campfire be from buildings in Corpus Christi?
How big can a beach campfire be in Corpus Christi?
What must I do with a beach campfire before leaving?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corpus Christi
How Corpus Christi compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Corpus Christi to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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