4103 Portable Fuel-Fired Heating Appliances — 2025 California Fire Code

Portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited in occupancies in Groups A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3 , R-3.1 and R-4 and ambulatory care facilities.

Exceptions:

1. Portable unvented fuel-fired heaters listed and labeled in accordance with UL 647 are permitted to be used in one- and two-family dwellings, where operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances in accordance with Section 4103.1.2.

4103.1.1 Prohibited locations. Unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall not be located in, or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces: sleeping rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms or storage closets.

4103.1.2 Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances. Portable gas-fired heating appliances located outdoors shall be in accordance with Sections 4103.1.2.1 through 4103.1.2.3.4.

4103.1.2.1 Location. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be used and located in accordance with Sections 4103.1.2.1.1 through 4103.1.2.1.4.

4103.1.2.1.1 Prohibited locations. The storage or use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations:

1. Inside of any occupancy where connected to the fuel gas container.

2. Inside of tents, canopies and membrane structures.

3. On exterior balconies.

Exception: As permitted in Chapter 61.

4103.1.2.1.2 Clearance to buildings. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from buildings.

4103.1.2.1.3 Clearance to combustible materials. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located beneath, or closer than 5 feet (1524 mm) to combustible decorations and combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or similar combustible attachments to buildings.

4103.1.2.1.4 Proximity to exits. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of exits or exit discharges.

4103.1.2.2 Use and operation. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be used and operated in accordance with Sections 4103.1.2.2.1 through 4103.1.2.2.4.

4103.1.2.2.1 Listing and approval. Only listed and approved portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances utilizing a fuel gas container that is integral to the appliance shall be used. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be listed and labeled in accordance with ANSI Z83.26/CSA 2.37.

4103.1.2.2.2 Use and maintenance. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

41-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

TEMPORARY HEATING AND COOKING OPERATIONS

4103.1.2.2.3 Tip-over switch. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be equipped with a tilt or tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the flow of gas if the appliance is tilted more than 15 degrees (0.26 rad) from the vertical.

4103.1.2.2.4 Guard against contact. The heating element or combustion chamber of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall be permanently guarded so as to prevent accidental contact by persons or material.

4103.1.2.3 Gas containers. Fuel gas containers for portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall comply with Sections 4103.1.2.3.1 through 4103.1.2.3.4.

4103.1.2.3.1 Approved containers. Only approved DOTn or ASME gas containers shall be used.

4103.1.2.3.2 Container replacement. Replacement of fuel gas containers in portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not be conducted while the public is present.

4103.1.2.3.3 Container capacity. The maximum individual capacity of gas containers used in connection with portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances shall not exceed 20 pounds (9 kg).

4103.1.2.3.4 Indoor storage prohibited. Gas containers shall not be stored inside of buildings except in accordance with Section 6109.9.