Fire Regulations in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Santa Cruz, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are allowed in Santa Cruz but must follow the manufacturer's instructions and be kept at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material (with an exception for use at one- and two-family dwellings), and must be constantly attended. Open fires are prohibited on all City beaches.
Fire pits and portable fireplaces: clearance rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code section 19.05.120 (CFC Sections 307.4.3, 307.4.1)
307.4.3 Portable Outdoor Fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one and two family dwellings. 307.4.1 Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unle...
Fireworks
All fireworks - including 'safe and sane' - are prohibited to possess, manufacture, store, sell, handle, or use anywhere in the City of Santa Cruz. The City deletes the state Fire Code's fireworks chapter and replaces it with an outright ban, and fines triple during the July Fourth safety enhancement zone period.
All fireworks prohibited in Santa Cruz
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code section 19.05.300 (adopting CFC Chapter 56, section 5601.1.2)
5601.1.2 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited.
Brush Clearance
Santa Cruz adopts the California Fire Code Wildland-Urban Interface chapter under §19.05.270 plus a local Wildfire Risk Areas chapter (Title 19 §19.05.310 / Fire Code Ch. 90).
Santa Cruz Wildland-Urban Interface Defensible Space
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code §19.20.010
The city of Santa Cruz designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire pursuant to Government Code Section 51178. The map, attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter as an exhibit, is hereby incorporated by reference and entitled 'City of Santa Cruz Fire Hazard Severity Zones.'
Outdoor Burning
Open burning in Santa Cruz requires a Fire Department burn permit ($50), is limited to parcels of one-half acre or larger, and is generally allowed only during the December 1 - April 30 burn season on declared burn days. Burning is prohibited on parcels under half an acre (except where yard-waste pickup is unavailable) and within 100 feet of a neighbor's structure.
Open burning requires a permit; burn season Dec-Apr
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code section 19.05.120 (CFC Sections 307.2, 307.2.1, 307.4)
307.2 Permit required. When required by the fire chief, a permit shall be obtained prior to kindling a fire for recognized agricultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such permit shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled. 307.2.1 Authorization. W...
Wildfire Zones
Santa Cruz adopts the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone map under §19.20.010, triggering wildland-urban interface (WUI) building and defensible-space requirements citywide for designated zones.
Santa Cruz Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code §19.20.010
The city of Santa Cruz designates the Fire Hazard Severity Zones as recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire pursuant to Government Code Section 51178.
Backyard Fires
The City of Santa Cruz allows backyard recreational and warming fires daily unless wildfire danger is high. The fire must be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, constantly attended with extinguishing equipment on hand, and may be ordered out by the Fire Department if deemed unsafe.
Backyard warming/recreational fires allowed with limits
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code section 19.05.120 (CFC Sections 307.4.2, 307.5)
307.4.2 Recreational Fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. 307.5 Attendance. Open burning; bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguish...
Looking for Santa Cruz County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Cruz city rules.
Fire Regulations in Santa Cruz County →