Costa Mesa, CA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Outdoor cooking in unincorporated Orange County is governed by the California Fire Code, enforced by OCFA, rather than a separate county BBQ ordinance. At one- and two-family dwellings, propane and charcoal barbecues used solely for cooking are generally permitted, subject to manufacturer instructions and the LP-gas storage rules in Chapter 61 (for example, keeping spare cylinders out of basements and below-grade spaces). The key restriction applies to multifamily occupancies: the Fire Code prohibits operating or storing charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies, or within 10 feet of combustible construction, at apartments, condominiums, and townhomes - everything except one- and two-family dwellings. An exception allows their use where the building, balcony, or deck is protected by an automatic sprinkler system. LP-gas (propane) appliances also fall under this multifamily restriction in many jurisdictions. During Red Flag conditions and in the high-fire-hazard canyon communities (Silverado, Modjeska, Trabuco), open-flame cooking warrants extra caution, and OCFA's general fire-weather restrictions on open flame may apply. Unlike wood fire pits, gas and propane grills are not subject to AQMD wood-smoke no-burn days.