Fire pit rules in Costa Mesa, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Costa Mesa allows gas-fueled fire pits with Building Department approval. Wood-burning fire pits must maintain 25-foot clearance from combustible structures. Single-family homes (R-3) require 3-foot clearance for portable devices; other residential types require 10 feet.
Under Costa Mesa's adopted fire code provisions, outdoor fire pits fueled by natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas are allowed when approved by the Building Department, provided they burn gas only and not wood or solid fuel. Wood-burning fire pits must not be within 25 feet of combustible structures unless in an approved permanent fireplace. For R-3 occupancies (single-family homes), combustible construction and vegetation must not be within 3 feet of the vertical column extending from the fire device perimeter. For other R occupancies (multi-family), the minimum distance is 10 feet. Conditions that could cause fire to spread to structures or vegetation must be eliminated before ignition. The Costa Mesa Fire Department enforces fire pit regulations.
Fire code violations are enforced by the Costa Mesa Fire Department. Violations may result in orders to extinguish, administrative fines, and criminal charges for creating fire hazards.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle fire pit rules.
See how Costa Mesa's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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