Pasadena adopts the 2022 California Fire Code (CFC) through PMC Title 14, Chapter 14.28 (Fire Prevention Code) via Ordinance No. 7407. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. One- and two-family dwellings are exempted, as are small LP-gas devices with containers up to 2.5 pounds and any device served by an automatic sprinkler system. South Coast AQMD wood-burning rules also apply.
Pasadena's fire regulations are codified at PMC Chapter 14.28 (Fire Prevention Code), which adopts the 2022 California Fire Code with local amendments — most recently updated by Ordinance No. 7407 in December 2022. California Fire Code §308.1.4 (Open-flame cooking devices) prohibits the use of charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Three statutory exceptions apply: (1) one- and two-family dwellings; (2) buildings, balconies, and decks protected by an automatic sprinkler system; and (3) LP-gas (propane) cooking devices having an LP-gas container with water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds (a single small camping-style cylinder). Standard propane BBQs at single-family homes are permitted; the restriction primarily affects apartments, condominiums, and townhomes without sprinkler systems. The Pasadena Fire Department's Bureau of Fire Prevention enforces CFC §308.1.4 in multi-unit residential buildings. Pasadena falls within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), so wood-burning devices (smokers using wood or charcoal as fuel) are also subject to SCAQMD Rule 445 (Wood-Burning Devices) and Rule 444 (Open Burning), including mandatory no-burn days called by SCAQMD during winter air-quality alerts.
Operating a charcoal grill or open-flame cooking device on a non-sprinklered apartment balcony in Pasadena is a violation of CFC §308.1.4 as adopted by PMC §14.28. Fire Prevention can issue Notice and Order to Comply, with escalating administrative fines under PMC Title 1. Failure to remove a non-compliant device can lead to lease termination by property managers required to enforce fire code. SCAQMD violations during no-burn days are separately enforceable by SCAQMD.
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