Riverside County, CA Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)

Outdoor grilling in unincorporated Riverside County is governed by California Fire Code Section 308.1.4 (Open-flame cooking devices), adopted through Ordinance 787. The general rule: charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Two key exceptions make backyard grilling at most homes lawful: (1) one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the 10-foot/balcony restriction, and (2) the restriction does not apply where the building, balcony, and deck are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. There is also an exception for LP-gas cooking devices having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds (nominal 1-pound LP-gas capacity) — i.e., the small portable camping-style canisters. The practical effect: a homeowner at a single-family or duplex residence may use a charcoal or propane BBQ in the backyard, but residents of apartments and condominiums (Group R multi-family) generally may not operate charcoal or larger-propane grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of the building unless it is sprinklered. Propane cylinders used with grills are also subject to LP-gas storage rules (CFC Chapter 61). During red-flag conditions or a hazardous-fire-area closure (Ord. 787, Section 104.13), the Fire Chief can further restrict open-flame use outdoors; in high fire danger, grilling on or near dry vegetation should be avoided.