Can I Use A Charcoal Grill in Los Angeles?

The California Fire Code (CFC) is designed to protect both residents and the natural environment from unnecessary fires, and Los Angeles is no exception.

With its sunny weather and love for outdoor living, LA is home to countless BBQ enthusiasts, but grilling in the city comes with certain restrictions to ensure safety.

The CFC affects where you can place your grill and what types of fuel you can use, which includes charcoal grills.

In this blog, we'll review the fire code requirements and introduce a great solution for grilling in Los Angeles that complies with local fire codes.

The CFC and Charcoal Grills

Los Angeles follows the California Fire Code and its requirements for outdoor kitchen safety.

Here's what you need to know about charcoal grilling and the CFC:

You cannot use a charcoal grill:

• Within 10 feet of combustible construction – this includes building materials like wood, certain plastics, and fabrics.
• On balconies made of combustible construction – many apartments and condos in Los Angeles have balconies that are made from materials that could catch fire easily.
• In wildfire-prone areas. Los Angeles is no stranger to fire-risk areas, and it's important to check with local authorities to understand which zones are designated as high-risk.
  
  

Some exceptions exist for these rules, like having a sprinkler system, which can allow for a charcoal grill in some situations. These are outlined in CFC 308.1.1.

Other types of grills, such as propane or natural gas, fall under these same open flame rules. Chapter 61 outlines how gas lines and fuel tanks should be installed and stored, but for charcoal, the focus is primarily on placement and proximity to flammable materials.

Code-Compliant BBQ Grills for Los Angeles

For those who love the flavor of charcoal grilling but are restricted by the fire code, there are options to enjoy BBQ safely and legally.

One great option is flameless grills, which are not only compliant with California's fire code, but can also deliver the grilling performance you expect. ElectriChef grills offer a safer, flameless alternative that still brings that high heat and delicious flavor of traditional charcoal grilling.

These grills are fully electric, so you don't have to worry about code violations related to charcoal or open flames. They heat up quickly and can reach up to 600 degrees, mimicking the performance of a classic charcoal BBQ but without the hassle of fire safety concerns.

Explore our collection of ElectriChef stainless steel grills that provide a safer and efficient way to cook your favorite BBQ dishes, all while staying fire-safe in Los Angeles.