Tuolumne County, CA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Tuolumne County has not been found to publish a separate countywide barbecue ordinance for unincorporated areas; grilling is governed by the California Fire Code, with air-quality rules handled by the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). For air quality, APCD Rule 203 exempts 'open outdoor fires used for recreational purposes or for cooking of food for human consumption,' and the District exempts residential and recreational open burning from APCD burn permits - so an ordinary backyard barbecue does not need an air-district permit. For fire safety in multifamily settings, California Fire Code Section 308.1.4 provides that charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, and LP-gas grills with a container larger than a nominal 1-pound cylinder, may not be operated or stored on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. That restriction does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings, and it is relaxed where the building (balconies, decks, overhangs, adjacent walls) is noncombustible or protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Small camping-style 1-pound propane cylinders are the exception allowed near combustibles. Because unincorporated Tuolumne County is almost entirely a high-to-very-high fire hazard severity area, residents should keep grills well clear of dry vegetation, never leave a lit grill unattended, keep water nearby, and check for any CAL FIRE restrictions during peak fire season. Confirm any local fire-season grilling limits with CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit or Tuolumne County Fire Prevention (209-533-5502).