Are Fire Pits Legal in Los Angeles, CA?

LA is known for its luxury lifestyle and glamorous modern homes. From Beverly Hills to Malibu, outdoor entertaining spaces are just as essential as the interior aesthetic in LA homes. A warm and inviting space with a fiery focal point is key to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of California. At Solus Decor we have created modern fire features that are made for entertaining (according to the LA times) and will generate atmosphere in any home. However, before you gather around the fire, understanding the legal landscape surrounding fire pits in Los Angeles, CA is crucial. Clearly explained rules and regulations are not as easy to find as you may think, but as a leading fire pit company in North America we are here to help! 

Legal Certification Standards for Fire Pits

Quality is not just important to the visual appeal of a modern fire pit but it also determines how well it functions, and how safe it is. However, without a legal standard for this, how can we ensure that the product is of good quality? Well, certification from The American National Standards Institute, (or ANSI certification) is required for all fire pits within the US, including LA and its surrounding areas, such as Thousand Oaks, San Bernardino and Irvine. This applies to fire features on public and private property, residentially and commercially. It is also important to note if a fire pit has CSA certification, as it indicates a product has been tested and certified by a reputable organisation. At Solus, it is extremely important to us that our products not only look beautiful, but are also safe. Therefore, all of our fire pits are certified to ANSI, CSA, CE & UKCA standards, meeting NA, UK & EU regulations.

Wood Burning Fire Pits vs Gas a Propane Fire Pits

Modern gas and propane fire pits are currently the most popular option in North America, largely due to increasing concerns over wood burning fires. In recent years, burn bans have been implemented due to concerns over air quality and forest fires. Although small wood burning fires are legal recreationally, temporary bans, particularly in the summer could render your fire pit unusable for many months of the year. Therefore, if you want a more dramatic flame that won’t be subject to these laws, gas and propane is the way to go. Equally, it is important to note that installing a propane fire pit requires a construction permit in LA. 

Although wood burning fire pits typically produce more heat, are more portable and less expensive, they are not without their drawbacks. Flying embers, smoke that stings your eyes and leaves a strong scent on your clothes or in your hair are all common concerns. These are our clients’ primary complaints when they come to us looking for a clean-burning fire feature. Solus fire pits allow heat output and flame height to be controlled with a simple skeleton key, making them a more personalised and safer appliance.

Nonetheless, installing a gas fire pit does require some preparation, as they have to be connected to a natural gas line that should run under your deck or patio. Once installed however, fuel supply isn’t a worry and there are no unsightly pipes or hoses. Propane fire pits also require a connection to a propane tank which guidelines suggest should be stored outdoors, in a well ventilated area. This may seem like a hassle that you would rather avoid, but finding firewood storage, wet firewood and maintenance of a wood burning fire pit will require more time and cleaning long-term. 

To summarise, gas and propane fire pits are perfectly legal in Los Angeles, CA and are a modern and clean-burning alternative to your classic wood burning fire pit. Virtually smoke free, safer, and easy to maintain, we believe that they are the best alternative for those that want to make the most of their outdoor space and keep toasty this winter.