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

Backyard barbecuing is a permitted, everyday activity in Redlands, and the City does not have a stand-alone BBQ ordinance. Outdoor cooking appliances are governed by the 2022 California Fire Code, which the City adopted in City Code Section 15.20.010. For single-family homes, propane gas grills and charcoal barbecues are allowed; users should keep grills away from the structure, eaves, and combustible materials, never operate them indoors or in an enclosed space, and store propane cylinders outdoors and upright. The most significant Fire Code limitation applies to apartments, condominiums, and other buildings with multiple dwelling units: California Fire Code Section 308 generally prohibits the use or storage of charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, unless the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system (LP-gas grills with cylinders over the small exempt size are also restricted in these locations). On South Coast AQMD No-Burn days, lighting a charcoal grill is discouraged because charcoal is a solid fuel; propane and natural-gas grills are not affected by No-Burn alerts. Residents in foothill Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone areas should keep grills clear of dry vegetation during fire season.