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

" The same list requires a permit for gatherings of 25 or more people, structures over 12 feet in any dimension, jumper structures, overnight camping, amplified sound, live music, and commercial filming, so a BBQ often overlaps with a group picnic reservation. Applications must be signed by an authorized representative of the group or organization, which then bears responsibility for compliance and for any damage the activity causes (Sec. 03(B)(1)). The Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services sets the guidelines, policies, fees and case-by-case approval criteria for these permits (Sec.

03(B)(2)), and may require public liability and property damage insurance depending on the activity (Sec. 03(C)). Because open flame and fire are separately restricted under Sec. 02(F), which bars making, kindling or leaving any fire except in areas provided for that purpose, a portable BBQ used outside a permitted, approved picnic site violates both the fire rule and the permit rule at once. There is no exception in the code for small personal grills brought in without a permit; the requirement applies regardless of grill size once it is used inside a park picnic area.