Permit guides › Los Angeles › LA-TR-33

LAFD approval for solid-fuel / open-flame cooking (wood, charcoal, live fire): Los Angeles restaurant guide

LAFD — Fire Development Services / Public Assemblage Unit Confirm with the city

What it is

Wood- or charcoal-fired ovens, grills and open-flame cooking are hazardous equipment under the Fire Code; LAFD reviews the appliance, hood and spark-arrestor design in plan check and issues fire permits for "appliances, systems, or equipment that pose a fire hazard." Candles and open flames in dining areas are permitted by the Public Assemblage Unit.

When a restaurant needs it

Any wood, charcoal or open-flame cooking, or open flames/candles in the dining room.

How to apply

Have your mechanical engineer include the solid-fuel appliance, dedicated hood/duct and fuel storage in the LAFD plan review submittal; apply for the Candle Permit (fillable PDF) by emailing lafdpau@lacity.org if you use table candles.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Varies — see LAFD Fire Development Services fee schedule (plan check the greater of 0.111% of valuation or $1,137; inspections $379/hour)
Processing time
Reviewed with the fire plan check
Renewal
Fire permits renew per LAFD schedule
Who files
Submitted by the mechanical engineer/contractor with the fire plan review; the owner applies for candle permits.

Good to know

LAFD does not publish a solid-fuel checklist in page text — confirm requirements with Fire Development Services ((213) 482-6900) before buying a wood-fired oven; the County also publishes an open-air barbecue installation guidance sheet.

Official source

LAFD — fire permits · LAFD — Public Assemblage Unit (Candle Permit)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.