Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS›Division VI — OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
Chico Municipal Code Ch. 9.35 Outdoor Warming Appliances with Open Flame
Chico Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Chico
Cite as: Chico Municipal Code Chapter 9.35 · Text as of 2026-10-04
9.35.010 Applicability.¶
This chapter shall apply to the use of outdoor warming appliances that use an open flame.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.020 Allowable Locations.¶
The use of outdoor warming appliances shall be limited to private property or in a city park as allowed under section 12.18.230.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.030 Required Clearances.¶
The outdoor warming appliance shall not be used on a combustible surface and shall not be within 15 feet of any structure or combustible material. Use is limited to open air and shall not be used under a cover or roof.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.040 Container Specifications.¶
Outdoor warming fires shall be contained in a steel or stone container explicitly designed for such use, with a maximum diameter of 36 inches. Burn barrels are prohibited.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.050 Cover and Screen.¶
The warming appliance shall be covered with a noncombustible screen with a minimum opening dimension of ½ inch by ½ inch. The screen shall completely cover the top of the container.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.060 Fuel Restrictions.¶
Outdoor warming appliances shall be gas or wood-fueled. Only dry and clean wood shall be used for wood-fueled appliances. Painted or treated wood, rubbish, waste, vegetation, leaves, or tree clippings are prohibited as fuel.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.070 Supervision.¶
Outdoor warming appliances shall not be left unattended and shall be supervised until the fire is completely extinguished.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.080 Fire Extinguishing Equipment.¶
A portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, or other approved fire-extinguishing equipment such as dirt, sand, a water barrel, garden hose, or a water truck, shall be readily available on-site for immediate use.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.090 Smoke and Nuisance Prevention.¶
The fire shall not produce excessive smoke, nor shall it cause a nuisance by affecting nearby homes, businesses, or public roads with smoke or ash.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.100 Red Flag Warning Days.¶
Outdoor warming appliances using wood fuel shall not be used on days that are determined as Red Flag Warning days by the National Weather Service.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
9.35.080 Violation - Penalty.¶
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor or an infraction enforced by the filing of a criminal action by the city attorney or the issuance of an administrative citation in accordance with Chapter 1.15 of this Code.
(Ord. 2611; Ord. 2613)
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