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

There is no special Del Norte County ordinance banning backyard barbecues. Grilling with a propane or charcoal BBQ at a single-family home is allowed and does not need a burn permit — the North Coast Unified AQMD requires permits only for vegetation-disposal burning, not cooking. The main statewide rule is California Fire Code Section 308.1.4, which provides that charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Critically, that rule exempts one- and two-family dwellings, so it mainly restricts grilling on apartment and condominium balconies; LP-gas devices with a container of 2.5 pounds or less, and buildings protected by sprinklers, are also excepted. Practical safety practices still apply: keep the grill on a stable, level surface away from siding, eaves, fences, and dry vegetation; never grill indoors or in a garage; and keep a fire extinguisher or water nearby. Because much of the unincorporated county is in a CAL FIRE State Responsibility Area, during high fire danger or red-flag conditions CAL FIRE and local fire districts may restrict or suspend open-flame outdoor cooking — propane grills with a shut-off are usually treated more favorably than charcoal. Store propane cylinders outdoors per the Fire Code and NFPA 58.