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

Barbecuing with propane or charcoal is allowed in unincorporated San Diego County. Cooking fires are specifically exempt from the air district's open-burning prohibitions: APCD Rule 101(c)(1)(ii) exempts recreational, ceremonial, and cooking fires provided only clean dry wood, charcoal, natural gas, or propane is used and no nuisance is created. The County Consolidated Fire Code (adopting the California Fire Code) regulates the safe use of LPG cooking appliances. Under California Fire Code Section 308.1.4, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices generally may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in apartment/condominium settings, with exceptions for one- and two-family dwellings and where buildings are sprinklered. Portable propane cylinders for grills are limited in size for use and storage near occupied buildings under California Fire Code Chapter 61 and NFPA 58. In high fire danger conditions or Red Flag warnings, the local fire district or CAL FIRE may restrict open-flame and charcoal cooking in wildland and recreation areas. The County's bulk-LPG storage prohibition (Sec. 6104.2) does not affect ordinary barbecue cylinders, which are standard consumer appliances. Always keep grills away from defensible-space vegetation and structures.