Outdoor Burning: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley bans all outdoor burning of vegetation, yard waste, and debris. BAAQMD and BMC 9.24 prohibit open burning citywide; no burn permits are issued for residential properties.
View full Berkeley rules →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
Open outdoor burning is banned in San Leandro under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and city fire code. Only approved recreational fires in contained pits are allowed.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| Residential burning | Prohibited year-round | - |
| Burn permits | Not issued | - |
| BAAQMD fine | Up to 10,000 dollars/day | - |
| Green waste | Weekly curbside cart | - |
| Report | 1-800-334-ODOR | - |
| Open Burning | - | Banned |
| Authority | - | BAAQMD Reg 5 |
| Spare Air | - | No wood fires |
| Fine | - | 500+ dollars |
| Rec Fires | - | Contained pits OK |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I burn a small pile of leaves?
No. Even a small pile violates BAAQMD Regulation 5 and BMC 9.24. Use your green waste cart or the transfer station. Fines start at several hundred dollars.
What about burning brush during vegetation management?
Not allowed. Berkeley requires chipping, hauling, or composting. BFD hosts free chipper days each spring for hillside residents.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in San Leandro?
No. BAAQMD bans all open burning of yard waste. Use green waste bins via Alameda County Industries.
Who enforces this in San Leandro?
San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.
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