San Diego adopts the 2022 California Fire Code under SDMC Ch. 9 Art. 5. CFC Β§ 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood, briquette) on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartments and condos. LP-gas containers larger than 2.5 lbs are similarly restricted. Single-family backyard grilling is permitted but subject to wildland-urban interface restrictions in high fire severity zones.
San Diego enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) through the Fire-Rescue Department Fire Prevention Bureau. CFC Β§ 308.1.4 (as adopted in SDMC Chapter 9) prohibits charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at apartment buildings, condominiums, and similar multi-unit residences. Propane (LP-gas) containers larger than 2.5 pounds are similarly restricted. Exceptions apply where the building is fully sprinklered or the cooking device is electric. For single-family detached homes outside high fire severity zones, backyard grilling is generally permitted. In Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) designated by CAL FIRE under California Government Code Β§ 51177 and mapped through the SD Fire-Rescue Wildfire Hazard Severity Zone Maps, additional restrictions apply during Red Flag Warnings. Propane tank storage over 5 lbs requires compliance with CFC Ch. 61. The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) regulates commercial wood-fired equipment but not residential grills. Beach and park grills are restricted to designated areas per SDMC Β§ 63.0102.
CFC Β§ 308 violations on multi-family balconies are misdemeanors under SDMC Β§ 12.0202 with fines up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail. Fire-Rescue may order immediate removal. VHFHSZ violations during Red Flag warnings carry enhanced penalties.
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