The Newport Beach City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to replace more than half of its fire rings with gas-fueled models near the Balboa Pier and at Corona del Mar State Beach.
The move came despite written objections of regulators and California Coastal Commission staff.
Last year, the city council voted to completely eliminate fire rings due to air-pollution concerns. Local residents have complained about the fire pits causing smoke to drift into their homes.
Existing fire pits will need to be spaced at least 50 feet apart to meet air-quality rules that go into effect in March.
City Manager David Kiff called the proposal a good compromise.
