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

Tehama County does not publish a separate barbecue ordinance; outdoor cooking is governed by the California Fire Code (adopted countywide) and Air District rules, enforced in unincorporated areas by CAL FIRE / Tehama County Fire. Charcoal and gas BBQ grills used solely for cooking are exempt from the open-burning and recreational-fire rules, so a backyard grill at a single-family home does not need a burn permit and is allowed even on no-burn days. The California Fire Code's main grill restriction (section 308.1.4) targets multifamily/attached residences: open-flame cooking devices generally may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at buildings containing three or more dwelling units, with exceptions for LP-gas grills with limited container size and for one- and two-family dwellings. As a general fire-safety practice and per fire-code provisions for portable cooking appliances, keep grills a safe distance from structures, eaves, fences, and dry vegetation. LP-gas (propane) cylinders for grills are regulated under California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58 — store cylinders outdoors and upright, never inside a building, garage living space, or basement where heavier-than-air gas could collect. During red-flag warnings or high fire danger, outdoor cooking with open flames may be restricted, especially in the foothill State Responsibility Area.