San Diego County, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback distance
- 15 feet from structures/combustibles
- Residential exception
- One- and two-family dwellings exempt
- Spark arrester
- 1/2-inch mesh or smaller required
- Attendance
- Adult must attend until extinguished
- Scope
- Unincorporated San Diego County only
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County, portable outdoor fireplaces and smokers must stay 15 feet from structures unless used at a one- or two-family home, and warming fires need a spark arrester or manufacturer specs.
Sec. 307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material or combustible materials. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one-and two-family dwellings. All "warming fires", by which open burning of wood, shall have installed a "spark arrester" of ½" screen mesh or smaller or used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
San Diego County's Fire Code amendments (County Code § 96.1.307.4.3) require portable outdoor fireplaces, the category covering backyard smokers, fire pits and chimineas, to sit at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material, unless the device is used at a one- or two-family dwelling, which is exempt from that setback. Any 'warming fire' burning wood must have a spark arrester with half-inch mesh or smaller, or follow the manufacturer's instructions. A companion section, § 96.1.307.5, requires open burning and recreational fires to be constantly attended by an adult with a fire extinguisher or other suppression tool on hand until fully out. Rules apply only in the unincorporated county; incorporated cities set their own fire codes.
Violations & Fines
Violating the fireplace setback or attendance rule is enforced by the County Fire Marshal as a fire code violation, which can lead to a citation, fire safety order or misdemeanor charge under the County Fire Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a smoker or fire pit in my backyard in unincorporated San Diego County?
Do I need to watch my backyard smoker or fire pit while it burns?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
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