Santa Barbara, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)

Using a wood, charcoal, pellet, or propane smoker for outdoor cooking is permitted in the City of Santa Barbara. There is no specific City ordinance for smokers; they fall under the City Fire Code's rules for outdoor cooking appliances (Municipal Code Chapter 8.04, Ordinance No. 5920). Fire Code Section 4909.10 applies its barbecue and grill standards to such appliances in the City's High Fire Hazard Area: they must be kept 'a minimum of 30 feet from grass, grain, brush or forested areas, maintained in good repair and in a safe condition at all times,' and openings must have an approved spark arrester, screen, or door. Smokers may never be used to dispose of waste. Because smokers produce smoke for extended periods, two limits matter. First, the amended Section 307.1.2 prohibits open burning that is 'offensive or objectionable because of smoke emissions' - a heavily smoking unit that creates a nuisance for neighbors could draw enforcement. Second, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) bans burning residential or household waste district-wide; cooking food in a proper smoker is not 'waste burning,' but burning trash or treated wood in a smoker would violate APCD rules. Ash and coals must be extinguished and disposed of per Section 4909.12 in the High Fire Hazard Area. During a Red Flag Warning, all burning is banned, which can affect open-flame and solid-fuel use in the foothills.