Fire pit rules in Santa Barbara, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and barbecues are regulated by the City Fire Code (Municipal Code Ch. 8.04). In High Fire Hazard Areas they must sit at least 30 feet from grass, brush, or forested areas, be kept in safe condition, and have an approved spark arrester, screen, or door over openings.
The City of Santa Barbara adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments in Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 (Ordinance No. 5920). Fire Code Section 4909.10, as amended, governs outdoor fireplaces and barbecues in the city's High Fire Hazard Area (the foothill neighborhoods such as the Riviera, Mission Canyon, and San Roque). It provides that permanent and portable barbecues, outdoor fireplaces, and grills 'shall be a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush or forested areas, maintained in good repair and in a safe condition at all times,' and that openings 'shall be provided with an approved spark arrester, screen, or door.' These appliances may not be used to dispose of rubbish, trash, or combustible waste. A related provision, Section 4909.3, requires chimneys used with fireplaces, barbecues, or heating appliances within 200 feet of any High Fire Hazard Area to have a spark arrester of heavy wire mesh with openings not exceeding 1/4 inch. Ashes and coals must not be dumped in the High Fire Hazard Area except in an established fire pit hearth or a noncombustible covered container kept at least 10 feet from vegetation (Section 4909.12). Outside the High Fire Hazard Area, ordinary backyard fire pits used for cooking are not separately prohibited, but all open burning that is offensive due to smoke is barred under amended Section 307.1.2.
Misdemeanor under Municipal Code Section 8.04.020 (amended Section 110.4); each day a violation continues after notice is a separate offense. The fire code official may order abatement of hazardous conditions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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