Marin County, CA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permanent barbecues
- department-built structures only
- Portable grills
- designated areas only
- Coal disposal
- designated manner required
- Fishing piers
- fires banned outright, § 10.07.050(G)
- Penalty level
- misdemeanor, § 10.01.090(P)
Summary
Portable barbecues and camp stoves are barred everywhere in Marin County parks except spots the Department of Parks and Open Space designates. Section 10.08.010 limits open flame to permanent, department-built barbecues, camp stoves and fireplaces, and requires hot coals to go out in a manner the department designates.
No person shall build, light, or maintain a fire of any nature within parks, except in permanent fixed barbecues, camp stoves, or fireplaces established by the department. The use of portable barbecues and camp stoves is prohibited except in designated areas. Barbecues and stoves shall be operated at all times in a manner that does not endanger facilities. In addition, hot coals must be disposed of in a designated manner.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
08, Fire Regulations. " Any barbecue or stove in use must be operated so it "does not endanger facilities," and hot coals must be disposed of "in a designated manner" set by the department for that location. 050(G) separately bars building, lighting or maintaining any fire, including barbecues, on fishing piers within parks. 020. That gives rangers and the sheriff's department the option of a misdemeanor charge rather than a citation for anyone who lights a portable grill, camp stove or open fire outside a posted barbecue area or fire pit.
050 lets any department employee, designee or peace officer eject a violator from the park on the spot, separate from any criminal charge that follows.
Violations & Fines
Lighting a portable barbecue, camp stove or any other open fire outside a department-designated area in a Marin County park is a misdemeanor under Section 10.01.090(P), which classifies "creation of fire hazards" under Section 10.08.010 at that level rather than as an infraction. Rangers or peace officers can also eject violators immediately under Section 10.01.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own portable grill to a Marin County park?
What happens if I light a fire in a spot that's not designated?
How do I dispose of coals after grilling in a county park?
Are barbecues allowed on fishing piers in Marin County parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
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