Hemet, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Using a wood-pellet, charcoal, or offset smoker in Hemet falls under the California Fire Code that the City adopts, plus South Coast AQMD air rules - there is no separate smoker ordinance. A smoker is a solid-fuel or open-flame cooking device, so the Fire Code's general requirement that open-flame/charcoal cooking devices not operate within 10 feet of combustible construction applies (Section 308), with the code's exception relaxing this for one- and two-family dwellings, which is why backyard smoking at a single-family home is generally allowed when done safely. Smokers should be used outdoors only, on a noncombustible surface, kept clear of fences, eaves, and overhanging vegetation, and constantly attended while in use. Because smoking produces sustained wood/charcoal smoke and Hemet is in the South Coast Air Basin, South Coast AQMD wood-smoke considerations and no-burn advisories are relevant; cooking is generally treated differently from open waste burning, but residents should avoid creating a smoke nuisance that could draw complaints. During Red Flag or high-fire-danger conditions in Hemet's foothill setting, the fire code official can restrict open-flame and solid-fuel device use. Multifamily residents face the same balcony restrictions as grills - charcoal and similar devices are generally prohibited on or near apartment and condo buildings. Confirm any local limits with the Hemet Fire Department, and check AQMD advisories before a long smoke.