Overview
Los Angeles homeowners face one of the most complex fire feature regulatory environments in the U.S. — the combination of SCAQMD's Check Before You Burn curtailment program, SCAQMD Rule 445 restrictions on new wood-burning installations, strict building permit requirements, and dense HOA prevalence creates a multi-layered compliance picture.
The practical upshot: wood-burning fire features in LA are heavily restricted and increasingly uncommon in new installations. Most outdoor fire features in new construction and renovation projects are gas (propane or natural gas).
SCAQMD Rule 445
SCAQMD Rule 445 prohibits the installation of new wood-burning fireplaces and heaters in new residential construction and certain major renovations in the South Coast Air Basin. This rule applies to the entire Los Angeles area and is administered separately from curtailment day restrictions.
For existing homes: if you have an existing wood-burning fireplace or fire pit, it may be grandfathered under Rule 445. However, it is still subject to Check Before You Burn curtailment day restrictions and cannot be used on declared no-burn days. You may also face restrictions when upgrading or substantially modifying an existing wood-burning feature.
For new installations: wood-burning outdoor fire features are generally restricted under Rule 445 in the South Coast Air Basin. Exceptions may apply for cooking appliances — contact SCAQMD directly for a written ruling before designing your project around a wood-burning pizza oven.
Building Permits in LA
The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues building permits for permanent fire features. LA has a notorious permit backlog; plan for 4–8 weeks for plan check on outdoor structure permits, even for straightforward masonry projects. The LADBS ePlan portal allows online submission. Permit fees are calculated based on project valuation and are generally higher than the U.S. average.
For unincorporated LA County areas, permits are issued by the LA County Department of Public Works (Building and Safety Division), which has different processes and timelines from the City of Los Angeles.
Check Before You Burn Program
SCAQMD's Check Before You Burn program prohibits all residential wood burning in the South Coast Air Basin on declared curtailment days, running November 1 through the end of February. Sign up for alerts at aqmd.gov/checkbeforeyouburn or call 1-800-CUT-SMOG. Violations can result in fines of $50–$500 for first violations, escalating for repeats.
Department Contacts
| Department | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| LADBS (City of LA Building Permits) | ladbs.org / 311 | Building permits, plan check |
| LA County Building & Safety (unincorporated) | dpw.lacounty.gov | Permits outside city limits |
| SCAQMD Check Before You Burn | aqmd.gov / 1-800-CUT-SMOG | Curtailment days, Rule 445 questions |