What this site is, how we research it, where our data comes from, and why we built it.
FireFeatureRules is a U.S. reference hub for homeowners navigating fire pit, outdoor fireplace, wood-fired pizza oven, and outdoor fire feature permit and regulation questions. Every page is built around a specific question real homeowners ask — and answers it in plain English, with links to authoritative sources so you can verify what you read here.
The site covers: building permit requirements, the International Fire Code recreational fire definition, setback rules by city and state, air quality wood-burning curtailment programs, HOA rules, gas vs. wood permit differences, and specific rules for pizza ovens, outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits in 49 cities and 15 states.
When a homeowner decides to build an outdoor fireplace or install a wood-fired pizza oven, the permit question hits an information wall: the city website has PDF links to 300-page code documents, forum threads from 2014 conflict with each other, and the building department's phone menu sends you in circles.
FireFeatureRules was built to solve this specific problem — to compile, organize, and translate the rules that actually govern residential outdoor fire features in the U.S., city by city, air district by air district, into language a homeowner can understand and act on.
Every permit requirement, setback distance, and regulatory description on this site is sourced from one or more of the following:
Every page on FireFeatureRules is written from scratch based on primary sources listed above. We do not scrape, spin, or republish content from other websites. Where we reference specific regulations, we cite the governing authority so readers can verify independently.
Every article and city guide on this site is original — written from primary sources, not rephrased from other websites. We maintain human editorial oversight of all content. Information is cross-checked against official government sources before publication and reviewed for accuracy on an ongoing basis.
FireFeatureRules is not a law firm, licensed contractor, or building department. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and nothing substitutes for a conversation with your local building department, fire marshal, or HOA. Use this site to understand the landscape before you make those calls — not instead of them.
This site is supported by Google AdSense display advertising and participation in the Amazon Associates program. When you click Amazon product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Our advertising and affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content or recommendations. We do not accept paid placements, sponsored reviews, or payment to feature contractors, manufacturers, or services. Our content exists to help homeowners navigate permit rules — not to sell products.
City and state guides are reviewed and updated periodically. Regulations change — building departments update codes, air districts revise curtailment programs, HOAs amend CC&Rs. If you notice outdated information, incorrect contact numbers, or changed regulations, please contact us so we can update the affected page.
Questions, corrections, or feedback: use our contact form. We use Formspree for private message handling — your email is never publicly displayed. We respond within 2–3 business days.