Costa Mesa Fire Pit Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permit Required
- Building permit for permanent installations; no permit for portable manufactured units
- Maximum Size
- 3 feet diameter, 2 feet height for recreational fires
- Minimum Clearance
- 15 feet from structures, fences, overhangs, and combustible materials
- Approved Fuels
- Clean dry firewood, manufactured logs, charcoal (appropriate devices), gas, or propane
- Supervision
- Must be attended at all times by a competent adult with extinguishment means nearby
- No-Burn Days
- Wood-burning devices prohibited on SCAQMD no-burn days; gas and propane exempt
The Short Version
Costa Mesa regulates backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces under the California Fire Code as adopted locally and enforced by the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department. Recreational fires in approved contained devices — such as manufactured fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces — are permitted on private residential property provided they comply with specific setback, fuel, and supervision requirements. Fires must be contained in an approved device, limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and situated at least 15 feet from any structure, fence, overhang, or combustible material. Only clean, dry, untreated firewood, manufactured fire logs, charcoal (in appropriate devices), or gas/propane fuel may be used. Burning of trash, yard waste, treated or painted lumber, plastics, or any other prohibited material is unlawful. Recreational fires must be attended at all times by a competent adult who has a means of extinguishment readily available, such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher. Fires must be fully extinguished before being left unattended. Permanent built-in fire pits and outdoor fireplaces require a building permit from the Costa Mesa Building Division. Gas-line fire pit installations require both a building permit and a plumbing permit and must be performed by a licensed contractor. Portable manufactured fire pits and propane units do not require a permit but must comply with all setback and fuel requirements. Wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces are subject to SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions.
Full Breakdown
Costa Mesa regulates backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces under the California Fire Code as adopted locally and enforced by the Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department. Recreational fires in approved contained devices — such as manufactured fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces — are permitted on private residential property provided they comply with specific setback, fuel, and supervision requirements. Fires must be contained in an approved device, limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and situated at least 15 feet from any structure, fence, overhang, or combustible material.
Only clean, dry, untreated firewood, manufactured fire logs, charcoal (in appropriate devices), or gas/propane fuel may be used. Burning of trash, yard waste, treated or painted lumber, plastics, or any other prohibited material is unlawful. Recreational fires must be attended at all times by a competent adult who has a means of extinguishment readily available, such as a garden hose or fire extinguisher. Fires must be fully extinguished before being left unattended.
Permanent built-in fire pits and outdoor fireplaces require a building permit from the Costa Mesa Building Division. Gas-line fire pit installations require both a building permit and a plumbing permit and must be performed by a licensed contractor. Portable manufactured fire pits and propane units do not require a permit but must comply with all setback and fuel requirements. Wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces are subject to SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Operating a fire pit without required permits (permanent installations) carries fines of $250 per day until corrected. Insufficient clearance from structures is subject to fines of $250 per occurrence. Using a fire pit on a combustible surface such as a wooden deck or dry grass carries fines of $250 to $500. Violation of SCAQMD no-burn day restrictions for wood-burning devices carries a separate SCAQMD fine of $50 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent violations. Unpermitted gas line installations are subject to a stop-work order, a $500 fine, and mandatory correction by a licensed contractor. Fires that cause property damage, spread beyond containment, or threaten public safety may result in criminal charges including reckless burning under California Penal Code Section 452, as well as civil liability for all suppression costs and damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a portable fire pit in Costa Mesa?
Do I need a permit for a built-in fire pit in Costa Mesa?
Can I use my wood-burning fire pit year-round in Costa Mesa?
How does Costa Mesa compare?
See how Costa Mesa's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.