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

Barbecuing with propane or charcoal in unincorporated Santa Cruz County follows the California Fire Code adopted through County Code Chapter 7.92. Under CFC Section 308.1.4, charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction - a rule aimed primarily at apartments, condos, and other multifamily buildings - with a specific exception for one- and two-family dwellings, where backyard grilling is generally allowed. For propane (LP-gas) supply, CFC Chapter 61 lets a home use one LP-fueled cooking device plus one spare cylinder of up to 20 pounds water capacity outside without a permit. Common-sense and code fundamentals still apply: grill outdoors only, keep the grill away from siding, eaves, deck rails, and overhanging vegetation, never grill inside a garage or under a covered porch with poor ventilation, and keep a means of extinguishment handy. Because the unincorporated county sits in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the fire authority can impose additional restrictions on open flames during red-flag warnings or extreme fire weather, and grilling near dry vegetation is especially hazardous. Gas grills are generally preferred over charcoal in fire season because they do not produce wind-blown embers. Always check current fire conditions before cooking outdoors.