Sacramento, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code § 15.36 (2022 CA Fire Code amendments)
- Open-fire setback
- 25 feet from structure or combustibles
- Open burning permit
- Required to ignite/maintain a fire per § 105.5.34
- Enforcing official
- Sacramento fire chief or designee
- Civil penalty
- $250-$25,000 per day of violation
- Criminal exposure
- Misdemeanor, each violation day separate
Summary
Sacramento's Fire Code amendments treat a barbecue grill, barbecue pit, incinerator or outdoor fireplace as contained cooking equipment, separate from an open 'recreational fire.' Uncontained recreational fires must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and a fire permit is required to ignite or maintain a fire on public property or on private property without the owner's consent.
RECREATIONAL FIRE. An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. ... 307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Full Breakdown
010. ' Because a barbecue grill or pit is a named exception to that definition, a smoker or grill contained in that equipment falls outside the 'recreational fire' category the ordinance regulates. 2 then imposes the actual setback: 'Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. 34 requires an operational permit 'to ignite or maintain a fire on any public property, or on private property without the express permission of the lessee or property owner,' and directs that permit instructions and stipulations be followed.
030 is the fire chief or their designated representative, and that official administers both the recreational-fire rules and the open-burning permit process for anyone conducting an outdoor fire within city limits, whether for cooking, warmth or ceremonial purposes.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Chapter 15.36 are punishable under Section 15.04.060 as incorporated by Section 15.36.040. Each day a violation continues is a separate misdemeanor, and the responsible party is also liable for civil penalties of not less than $250 or more than $25,000 per day, enforceable by the city attorney through civil action. Administrative penalties may additionally be imposed under Chapter 1.28 of the Sacramento City Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a backyard smoker count as a 'recreational fire' in Sacramento?
How far from my house does an open fire have to be?
Do I need a permit to light a fire in Sacramento?
What happens if I violate Sacramento's fire code open-burning rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
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Smoker Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle smoker rules.