Fire pit rules in Santa Ana, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Gas fire pits (natural gas or propane) are generally allowed in Santa Ana with a building permit and proper clearances. Permanently installed wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in new construction under SCAQMD Rule 445. Portable wood fire pits are restricted during no-burn days.
Under SCAQMD Rule 445, permanently installed wood-burning devices (including outdoor fire pits and fireplaces) are prohibited in new developments throughout the South Coast basin, which includes Santa Ana. Gas-fueled fire pits using natural gas or propane are the compliant alternative and require a building permit for permanent installation. A minimum fire clearance of 10 feet from structures and combustible materials is required per the California Fire Code. Portable wood-burning fire pits may be used outside of mandatory curtailment days (November through February) when PM2.5 levels are forecast to exceed 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Existing wood-burning fireplaces in older homes are not required to be retrofitted but must comply with no-burn day restrictions. The SCAQMD Check Before You Burn program provides daily status updates.
Burning during curtailment days: SCAQMD fines. Installing permanent wood-burning device in new construction: violation of SCAQMD Rule 445. Fire code violations: citation from Santa Ana Fire or OCFA.
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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 Santa Ana's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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