Fire pit rules in Santa Cruz, CA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are allowed in Santa Cruz but must follow the manufacturer's instructions and be kept at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material (with an exception for use at one- and two-family dwellings), and must be constantly attended. Open fires are prohibited on all City beaches.
Santa Cruz Municipal Code 19.05.120 adds California Fire Code Section 307.4.3, governing portable outdoor fireplaces (the category that covers chimineas and many backyard fire-pit units): they 'shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material,' except portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings. A bonfire (a larger fire) shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit (Section 307.4.1). All such fires must be constantly attended until extinguished with on-site extinguishing equipment available (Section 307.5). Per the Fire Department, open fires are not allowed on any City beaches - which include Cowells Beach, Main Beach, and beaches along West Cliff Drive - and charcoal barbecues are no longer allowed on City beaches (gas grills are allowed unless lifeguards or rangers deem a grill unsafe or too large). Fires are permitted in fire rings only at certain State beaches (New Brighton, Twin Lakes, Seabright).
Operating a fire pit or portable fireplace too close to a structure, leaving it unattended, or lighting an open fire on a City beach is a Fire Code violation; the fire code official may order extinguishment under SCMC 19.05.120 (CFC 307.3).
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