Pismo Beach, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Chapter 8.36 defines a barbecue as food prepared on an open fire or bed of coals for the purpose of selling to the general public. The code never uses the word smoker, so the rule attaches to open-fire cooking for sale, not to the cooking gear. On public property, § 8.36.020 allows a barbecue only when a special event permit for limited duration and use of public property has been obtained. On private property, § 8.36.030 requires a barbecue permit for that property before anyone operates one, and the fire department handles permits for uses outside and inside a building.

Section 8.36.040 sets the minimum requirements. The barbecue stays ten feet from flammable structures or material, or meets approved fire suppression techniques in the California building and fire codes. A water hose or water extinguisher approved by the fire department stays on hand until the fire is out, a responsible adult stays at the fire, and no driveway or fire access is blocked. The operator also needs a city business license, must meet all zoning, building, fire and health regulations, and needs a fire department permit and tent inspection if a tent or canopy is used.

The application under § 8.36.050 asks for a site plan showing buildings, parking spaces and the proposed barbecue location and dimensions, a sheet explaining how each § 8.36.040 requirement will be met, the days and times of operation, a photo of the site and barbecue pit, and proof of approval from the county health department environmental health division. Under § 8.36.060 the fire department weighs public health and safety, community support, impact on adjacent businesses and residents, parking and traffic, and imposes conditions limiting time of use. The fee is set by city council resolution, and the council can exempt nonprofits by resolution (§ 8.36.090).

Section 8.36.100 leaves alone private barbecues on public property where no goods are sold, residential or backyard barbecues where no goods are sold, and permanent barbecues at approved locations such as the Vets hall when not selling to the public. The fire code amendment adding Section 105.6.26 in Chapter 8.08 sends commercial barbecue pits back to Chapter 8.36. On the beach, § 12.20.060 bans fires in the safety zone and play area but excepts portable barbecues used exclusively for food preparation, and coals cannot be discarded on the beach.