Riverside adopts the California Fire Code under RMC Title 16. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks larger than 2.5 lbs on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with three or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is permitted but subject to SCAQMD Rule 444 No-Burn Day restrictions on wood fuel.
The City of Riverside adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) by reference under RMC Title 16 (Buildings & Construction) and enforces it through the Riverside Fire Department Fire Prevention Division. CFC §308.1.4 — California's amended version of IFC §308.1.4 — prohibits the use of charcoal burners, open-flame cooking devices, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in any building containing three or more dwelling units. LP-gas containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (approximately a 1 lb propane bottle) are similarly restricted on multi-family balconies. Exceptions apply where the building is fully sprinklered or where listed electric grills are used. For single-family detached homes, backyard charcoal, gas, and propane grilling is permitted. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 applies to Riverside and prohibits residential wood combustion on declared No-Burn Days during the November 1 – February 28 wood-burning season. Outdoor propane and natural-gas grilling are exempt from Rule 444 and may be used on any day. The Riverside Fire Department conducts annual multi-family fire inspections that include balcony BBQ compliance.
CFC §308 violations at multi-family buildings are infractions or misdemeanors under RMC Title 1 with fines starting at $100 and escalating to $1,000+; Fire Prevention can order immediate removal of non-compliant cooking devices and may red-tag a unit for severe violations. SCAQMD Rule 444 No-Burn Day violations carry administrative penalties up to $500 first offense and $1,000+ for repeat offenses. Property owners can be cited for tolerating known violations.
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