Novato, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Section 14-20.5 of the Novato Municipal Code, in the Police Regulations chapter, makes it unlawful and a public nuisance to light or maintain any fire on any public property unless the fire sits inside an apparatus or receptacle that the City of Novato provides, owns or maintains for that particular purpose. The code names a fire pit, stove, barbeque or fire circle as examples. A fire pit the City does not provide, own or maintain falls outside that exception. Section 14-20.2 defines public property to include streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and improved or unimproved land, so the rule reaches well beyond park gates.

The second half of the section is about leaving. A fire cannot be left unattended by an adult, and no one can leave the location where a fire was started, kindled or maintained until the fire has been completely extinguished and is cold to the touch.

Parks add a second layer in Chapter X. Section 10-28 bars lighting, starting, kindling or maintaining any fire in any park except as permitted with a park permit under that chapter, bars a fire in any open space, and extends the same bar to city-owned property. Section 10-4 lists any activity that includes an open flame, or a flame within any apparatus such as a fire pit or barbeque, among the uses of park property that need a park permit. Section 7-12.2 repeats the City-provided apparatus exception for the Stream Protection Zone.

This page covers fires on public property under the Novato City Council's own code. Section 14-20.5 does not address a fire pit in a private backyard, so no setback or size limit for one is quoted here.