Salinas adopts the California Fire Code (CFC) by reference in SMC Chapter 13 (Fire Prevention), with the 2025 CFC edition adopted in October 2025. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, open-flame cooking devices, and LP-gas containers larger than 2.5 lbs water capacity on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with three or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is generally permitted.
The City of Salinas adopts the California Fire Code by reference under SMC Chapter 13 (Fire Prevention) and enforces it through the Salinas Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau. CFC §308.1.4 - California's amended version of International Fire Code §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 (roughly the 1-pound disposable propane bottle threshold) are similarly restricted on multi-family balconies. Exceptions apply where the building is fully sprinklered under NFPA 13 or 13R, or where listed electric grills are used. For single-family detached homes, backyard charcoal, gas, and propane grilling is permitted year-round. The Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) - the local air district covering Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties - does not generally restrict commercial-quality backyard gas or charcoal grilling; MBARD's focus is on residential wood combustion through Rule 438 (Open Outdoor Fires) and clean-burning guidance. During declared Red Flag Warning conditions or seasonal fire-weather restrictions, the Salinas Fire Department may suspend open-flame outdoor cooking under CFC §308.2. Annual multi-family fire inspections by Salinas Fire Prevention typically include balcony compliance.
CFC §308 violations at multi-family buildings are infractions or misdemeanors under SMC Chapter 1 with administrative fines that escalate for repeat offenses; Salinas Fire Prevention can order immediate removal of non-compliant cooking devices and red-tag a unit for severe violations. Property managers can be cited for tolerating known violations. Open-flame cooking during a declared fire-weather restriction can trigger separate misdemeanor liability under California Health & Safety Code §13001 and the CFC.
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