Fire Regulations in Sonoma, CA (2026)
6 verified fire regulations for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Recreational fires and fire pits are allowed inside the City of Sonoma under the California Fire Code as adopted by the Sonoma Valley Fire District, but only natural gas/propane fire pits and small wood recreational fires meeting setback and supervision rules are permitted; vegetation pile burning inside city limits is prohibited.
Recreational Fires and Backyard Fire Pits in Sonoma
Some RestrictionsFireworks
The City of Sonoma prohibits the sale, possession, use, or discharge of any fireworks – including 'Safe and Sane' fireworks and sparklers – inside city limits. Cloverdale is the only city in Sonoma County that still allows state-approved fireworks; everywhere else, including unincorporated Sonoma County, all fireworks are banned year-round.
All Fireworks Banned in the City of Sonoma
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Property owners in the City of Sonoma must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures per California Public Resources Code §4291 (in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones) and meet weed abatement standards enforced by the Sonoma Valley Fire District annually. Failure to comply can result in city-conducted abatement with the cost recovered as a property tax lien.
Defensible Space and Hazardous Vegetation Abatement in Sonoma
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning of yard waste, brush, leaves, or trash is prohibited inside the City of Sonoma. The city is a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) where Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) rules and SVFD policy disallow residential vegetation pile burning; burn permits are only issued for unincorporated/State Responsibility Area (SRA) properties.
Open Burning Prohibited Inside Sonoma City Limits
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
The City of Sonoma adopted CAL FIRE's updated Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map on May 7, 2025, designating portions of the city as Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. New construction and major remodels in High and Very High zones must meet California Building Code Chapter 7A Wildland-Urban Interface ignition-resistant standards.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones and WUI Building Standards in Sonoma
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
Residential propane (LP-gas) storage in Sonoma is governed by Chapter 61 of the California Fire Code (2022) and NFPA 58 (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code). Containers up to 125 gallons water capacity may typically be installed at a residence with proper setbacks; containers over 125 gal water capacity require a fire department operational permit.
Residential Propane (LPG) Storage in Sonoma
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Fire Regulations in Sonoma County →