Los Angeles, CA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for BBQ?
- No. BBQ devices for cooking/entertainment are exempt from open-burning permit
- Waste burning banned
- Cannot use BBQ or outdoor fireplace to burn/dispose of combustible waste
- Fire hazard standard
- BBQ use must not create a fire hazard or endanger life or property (§ 57.307.7)
- Permanent outdoor kitchens
- If permanently installed within 10 ft of a building, must have Fire Chief location approval
Summary
Outdoor BBQ grills and exterior fireplaces used for cooking or entertainment are permitted in Los Angeles without an open-burning permit, but they cannot be used to burn or dispose of waste and must not create a fire hazard.
SEC. 57.307.6.1. OUTDOOR BURNING DEVICES.
No exterior fireplace, barbeque device, or other fuel burning device intended for use for cooking or entertainment shall be deemed to be restricted by the terms of Section 57.307.6. The use of such outdoor fireplaces, barbeques, and other similar type devices for the burning or disposal of combustible waste or other unwanted combustible material is prohibited.
SEC. 57.307.6.2. LOCATION OF OUTDOOR BURNING DEVICES.
The location of every permanently installed outdoor burning device which is a separate structure to be used for cooking, decoration or entertainment, and within 10 feet of a building shall be approved by the Chief.
SEC. 57.307.7. EXERCISE OF CAUTION WITH FIRE.
No person shall construct, erect, install, locate, equip, maintain, or use any incinerator, exterior fireplace or barbeque device, or burn any combustible material so as to constitute or occasion a fire hazard by the use, or burning thereof, or as to endanger the life or property of any person thereby.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 57.307.6.1 explicitly exempts exterior fireplaces, barbeque devices, and other fuel-burning devices intended for cooking or entertainment from the open-burning permit requirement. However, using those devices to burn or dispose of combustible waste or other unwanted combustible material is prohibited. Section 57.307.7 further requires that no person use any barbeque device or exterior fireplace in a manner that constitutes or occasions a fire hazard or endangers life or property. Permanently installed outdoor BBQ structures within 10 feet of a building require location approval from the Fire Chief under § 57.307.6.2.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the fire-hazard prohibition and related provisions are subject to penalties and minimum fines under LAMC § 57.110.4 and Table 57.110.4. Prosecution as a misdemeanor under LAMC § 11.00 is possible for serious hazards, with fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to use my gas or charcoal grill in Los Angeles?
Can I burn wood or charcoal in my outdoor grill to get rid of branches or yard waste?
I want to build a permanent outdoor kitchen near my house: do I need approvals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
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BBQ & Propane Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle bbq & propane rules.