Fire Regulations in Palo Alto, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Palo Alto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Palo Alto allows gas and propane fire pits on residential property. Wood-burning recreational fires are restricted on Spare-the-Air days and prohibited in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the western foothills.
Palo Alto Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks, including safe-and-sane types, are illegal to possess, sell, or discharge in Palo Alto. The city enforces a strict year-round ban with significant fines and zero tolerance in foothill areas.
Palo Alto Fireworks Ban
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Palo Alto enforces California PRC 4291 defensible space in its Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, requiring 100 feet of vegetation management with stricter rules in the inner 30-foot zone.
Palo Alto Brush Clearance Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Section 4291
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall con...
Outdoor Burning
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or land-clearing debris is prohibited in Palo Alto. Only small recreational wood or charcoal fires in approved devices are allowed, and those are banned on Spare-the-Air days.
Palo Alto Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Western foothill neighborhoods in Palo Alto sit in the CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Properties there face defensible space, ember-resistant construction, and inspection requirements under California law.
Palo Alto Wildfire Hazard Zones
Heavy RestrictionsCAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zones (PRC 4201-4204; CCR Title 14 Section 1280; Gov Code 51175-89)
The State Fire Marshal is mandated to classify lands within State Responsibility Areas into Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ). Fire Hazard Severity Zones fall into one of the following classifications: Moderate High Very High The California laws that require Fire Hazard Severity Zones include California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1280 and C...
Smoke Detectors
California law and Palo Alto code require working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. CO alarms are also required with gas appliances or attached garages.
Palo Alto Smoke Detector Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7
(a) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, smoke alarms, approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to Section 13114 at the time of installation, shall be installed, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in each dwelling intended for human occupancy. (2) For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after Janu...
Backyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires are permitted in approved pits or appliances with 25-foot clearance, but are banned on Spare-the-Air days and may be suspended entirely during red-flag conditions in the foothills.
Palo Alto Backyard Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palo Alto city rules.
Fire Regulations in Santa Clara County →