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

050, sets the placement rule for backyard fire pits and similar contained flames: a recreational fire cannot be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or of combustible material, and any condition within that 25-foot radius that could let the fire spread, dry vegetation, stored fuel, overhanging branches, must be eliminated before the fire is lit. The setback applies to what the chapter's amended definitions call a 'recreational fire': an outdoor fire whose fuel is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit, burning materials other than rubbish for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or warmth purposes.

34, a resident who keeps the fire within the size and setback limits does not need to apply for a city permit before lighting a fire pit, chiminea or similar backyard flame, the 25-foot clearance is the operative legal requirement rather than a permit application. The fire code official retains authority to order a fire extinguished if it becomes a hazard, and local air-district burn-day restrictions can still apply independent of this setback rule. The amendment traces to Ord. 2023-0014 § 3, part of the city's 2022 Fire Code adoption.