Visalia enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in VMC Chapter 8.20 (California Fire Code) and regulates outdoor cooking fires under VMC §8.44.050. Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version of IFC §308.1.4), charcoal grills and open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. Single- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered buildings, and small disposable 1-lb LPG cylinders are exempted.
The Visalia Fire Department enforces the California Fire Code through VMC Chapter 8.20. CFC §308.1.4 prohibits charcoal, wood, and other open-flame cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in apartment buildings, condominiums, and other Group R-2 occupancies — meaning most multi-family properties in Visalia. Liquefied petroleum gas (propane) cylinders larger than 2.5 lb water capacity (nominal 1-lb propane) are similarly restricted on multi-family balconies; only the small disposable 1-lb cylinders used with portable grills are permitted there. Exceptions apply when (1) the building or balcony is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, or (2) the building is a one- or two-family detached dwelling. Single-family homes in Visalia may use standard 20-lb propane tanks for backyard BBQs. VMC §8.44.050 (Outdoor cooking fires) addresses outdoor cooking specifically, and VMC §8.44.030 prohibits open burning of vegetation, waste, rubbish, plastic, and demolition materials. The Central Valley's strict air-quality regime applies as well: SJVAPCD Rule 4901 restricts wood-burning devices during the November-February burn season on declared 'No Burn' days, though cooking appliances such as charcoal and propane grills are exempt from Rule 4901's curtailments; only solid-fuel heating devices are curtailed.
Violations of VMC Chapter 8.20 (Fire Code) and VMC §8.44.050 are enforced by the Visalia Fire Marshal as infractions or misdemeanors. Administrative citations issued by Code Enforcement under VMC Title 1 begin at $100 for a first offense, escalating to $200 and $500 for subsequent violations within twelve months. Causing a fire through prohibited grill use may trigger civil cost-recovery for suppression expenses under Health and Safety Code §13009.
Visalia, CA
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Visalia, CA
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Visalia, CA
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Visalia, CA
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