San Bernardino County, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Banned devices
- Solid-fuel fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, fire pits
- Where it applies
- STRs in the Mountain Region only
- Citation
- County Code Section 84.28.070(j)(1)
- Enforcement
- STR permit suspension, Section 84.28.090
- Who it covers
- Permitted short-term rentals, not owner-occupants
Summary
San Bernardino County bans solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits at short-term rentals in the Mountain Region, a fire-safety rule enforced through the STR permit process under County Code Section 84.28.070(j).
Solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits are prohibited in the Mountain Region.
(2) The interior and exterior of the STR shall be kept free of hazardous conditions at all times.
(3) Spas/hot tubs shall be covered and locked when not in use.
(k) Sanitation.
(1) Every STR shall be cleaned after each occupancy change in order to make the unit sanitary.
(2) If linens are provided for use by renters, said linens will be exchanged for clean linens after each occupancy.
(3) The exterior of the STR shall be maintained and kept fee of debris.
(4) Spas/hot tubs shall be maintained and cleaned as frequently as needed to preserve sanitary conditions.
(l) Trash. Trash shall be deposited in approved trash collection containers on the STR property. Trash containers shall be kept closed when not in use, never be permitted to overflow, and kept in a clean condition.
(1) In the Mountain Region, STR owners shall use animal-proof trash containers (unless discouraged by the County-approved refuse collection hauler) and procure trash collection service from the County-approved refuse collection hauler when said service is available. Pull-out trash service shall also be established with the County approved refuse collection hauler when said service is available. A sufficient number of trash containers based on permitted occupancy of the STR shall be procured.
Full Breakdown
County Code Section 84.28.070(j)(1), the Safety subsection of the Short-Term Rental chapter's Conditions of Operation, flatly prohibits solid fuel burning outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, barbeques, and fire pits at any STR located in the county's high-fire-hazard Mountain Region (Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, Crestline, Wrightwood and surrounding communities). The same subsection also requires STR spas and hot tubs to be covered and locked when not in use and keeps the unit free of hazardous conditions generally. The ban applies specifically to permitted short-term rentals under Chapter 84.28, not to owner-occupied mountain homes as a general matter, and it is enforced through the STR permitting, inspection, and suspension process rather than a standalone open-burning citation.
Violations & Fines
Violating STR conditions of operation, including the solid-fuel cooking ban, can suspend or revoke the STR permit under Section 84.28.090 and is enforceable as a County Code infraction or misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban apply to my own mountain cabin if I don't rent it out?
Can I use a propane grill at a Mountain Region STR instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
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