Fire Regulations in Rancho Cordova, CA (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Rancho Cordova, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Rancho Cordova permits residential fire pits subject to Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District standards and California Fire Code Section 307. Fire pits must be under 3 feet in diameter and set back at least 15 feet from structures, fences, and combustibles. Only clean seasoned firewood is permitted.
Fire: Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
All fireworks including so-called safe and sane are banned within Rancho Cordova. Possession, sale, or discharge of any consumer firework is prohibited year-round. Violators face steep administrative fines and possible misdemeanor charges under California Health and Safety Code Section 12500 and following.
Fire: Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Rancho Cordova sits on the flat Central Valley floor outside State Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, so Public Resources Code 4291 defensible space does not apply citywide. Property owners must still maintain weeds and dry vegetation under 6 inches under the local nuisance abatement program to prevent urban fire spread.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code § 4291 (Defensible Space — Vegetation Clearance Around Structures)
(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, and construction debris is prohibited in Rancho Cordova. SMAQMD Rule 421 and district no-burn rules, combined with Metro Fire regulations, effectively ban residential open burning. Only approved small recreational fires and cooking appliances are allowed.
Fire: Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Rancho Cordova is largely outside CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones due to its flat terrain and urbanized setting. State defensible space mandates and WUI building standards generally do not apply, though grass fire risk remains near the American River Parkway.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsCAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal — Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Maps
The Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior. Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area. There are...
Smoke Detectors
California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and 13113.8 require working smoke alarms in every dwelling, with 10-year sealed battery units mandated for replacements. Rancho Cordova enforces state standards at point of sale and through Metro Fire inspections. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required per SB 183.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
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 in Rancho Cordova must comply with Metro Fire and California Fire Code standards and are subject to SMAQMD No Burn day restrictions. Fires must be attended, extinguishing means kept nearby, and only clean seasoned wood used.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rancho Cordova city rules.
Fire Regulations in Sacramento County →