Fire pit rules in San Clemente, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
San Clemente regulates outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and fire rings under adopted Fire Code Section 307 (SCMC Chapter 8.16). Gas units are allowed with approval and clearance; wood and solid-fuel burning is prohibited in fuel modification zones and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
SCMC 8.16.050 adopts California Fire Code Section 307 (Open Burning, Recreational Fires, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces). Section 307.6 covers fire pits at residential (Group R) occupancies; barbecues and grills used solely for cooking are exempt. Section 307.6.1 allows natural-gas and propane fire features when approved by the Building Department, designed to burn gas only; at single-family (R-3) homes combustibles must stay at least three feet from the flame column. Portable spark-arrested pits must sit at least 3 feet from combustible construction at R-3 homes. Section 307.6.2.1 prohibits burning wood or solid fuel within any fuel modification zone or VHFHSZ.
An unpermitted or improperly located fire pit, or a wood fire in a VHFHSZ or fuel-mod zone, violates SCMC Chapter 8.16.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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