San Benito County, CA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in San Benito County, CA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Licensed low-impact camping sites only
- Size limit
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high
- Setback
- 25 feet from structures
- Fire pits per parcel
- One communal fire pit max
- Citation
- County Code § 25.08.031(4)
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County limits communal fire pits at licensed low-impact camping sites to one per parcel, capped at three feet wide and two feet tall, and set back 25 feet from structures.
Communal/recreational fire pits. (a) There can be only one communal wood burning fire pit per APN and shall be operated by the site manager or property owner... (b) Communal and recreational fires and fire pits shall comply with the following: 1. Recreational fires are not to be wider than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. 2. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
The county's low-impact camping standards, covering tent camping, glamping, dry RV camping, and yurts on AR, AP, R, RR, and RT-zoned parcels, allow only one communal wood-burning fire pit per parcel, run by a trained site manager or property owner. Recreational fires may not exceed three feet in diameter or two feet in height, and must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fires must be constantly attended, with a rated fire extinguisher or other extinguishing equipment on hand. This rule governs licensed camping operations only; the county code sets no separate size or setback limit for an ordinary homeowner's backyard fire pit.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the size or setback limits or leaving a fire unattended violates Section 25.08.031(4) and can trigger permit conditions or revocation, plus the general penalty of up to $1,000 or six months in jail per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a fire pit at my low-impact campsite in San Benito County?
Does this size limit apply to a regular backyard fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
How San Benito County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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