Fire Regulations in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Santa Clara lets residents run a freestanding outdoor fireplace without a wood-heater certification, but a backyard bonfire or other outdoor fire needs a permit the Fire Marshal issues under the Municipal Fire and Environmental Code.
Santa Clara Fire Pit Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 15.65.080(e) and § 15.65.050(e)
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Fire Marshal of the Fire Department may issue a permit for the burning of a bonfire or other fire in an outdoor location pursuant to Chapter 15.60 SCCC. ... (e) Outdoor fireplaces which are not attached to a structure; or (f) Wood burning appliances which are primarily used for the preparation of food.
Fireworks
Santa Clara bans possession, sale, handling and use of all fireworks, including state-classified Safe and Sane fireworks, allowing only permitted public displays and licensed pyrotechnic productions under the Municipal Fire and Environmental Code.
Santa Clara Fireworks Ban Rules
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 15.60.320 (amending California Fire Code § 5601.1.3)
5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the California State Fire Marshal, are prohibited. Exceptions: 1. Storage and handling of fireworks as allowed in section 5604. 2. The use of fireworks for fireworks displays pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnics special eff...
Brush Clearance
Santa Clara is mostly on the valley floor and not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but nearby foothills trigger PRC 4291 defensible space for properties bordering wildland.
Santa Clara Brush Clearance Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code § 4291(a)(1)(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. ... The intensity of fuels management may vary within the 100-foot perimeter of the structure, ...
Outdoor Burning
Santa Clara bans burning solid waste anywhere in the city except fuel burned in a compliant wood burning appliance, and no fire may be kindled on any public street, alley or waterway unless the Fire Department itself is directing it.
Santa Clara Open Burning Ban Rules
Significant RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 15.65.080(a)-(d)
No person shall burn any solid waste within the limits of the City except in accordance with and subject to the following limitations and conditions: (a) No person shall burn any garbage, or any rubbish that originates from any industrial or commercial establishment or any hospital, clinic, medical or dental office or medical laboratory, except in accordance with SCCC Title 15. (b) No person sh...
Wildfire Zones
Santa Clara is largely not mapped in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, but adjacent foothill communities are. Check the CAL FIRE map before building or landscaping near open space.
Santa Clara Wildfire Zone Rules
Some RestrictionsCAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal - Fire Hazard Severity Zones
What are Fire Hazard Severity Zones? 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 Reg...
Smoke Detectors
Santa Clara enforces residential smoke alarm requirements through the 2025 California Residential Code, adopted wholesale by SCCC § 15.17.010, and layers on a local smoke-alarm mandate of its own for homes with battery energy storage systems under § 15.60.210, which amends California Fire Code Section 1207.11.6.
Santa Clara Smoke Alarm Requirements
Some RestrictionsSanta Clara, CA, City Code § 15.60.210 (amending Cal. Fire Code § 1207.11.6)
California Fire Code Section 1207.11.6 is hereby amended to read: 1207.11.6 Fire detection. ESS installed in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall comply with the following: 1. Rooms and areas within dwellings units, sleeping units, basements and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11. 2. A listed heat alarm interconnecte...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Fire Regulations in Santa Clara County →