Fire Pit Rules: Berkeley vs Sunol
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Sunol, CA?
Sunol has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley bans virtually all open flame and wood-burning fire pits outdoors due to BAAQMD Regulation 6 and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) restrictions. Only fully enclosed gas appliances are tolerated.
View full Berkeley rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Fire pits allowed per California Fire Code with proper clearance. Prohibited on BAAQMD Spare the Air days if wood/solid fuel. Gas fire pits permitted.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| Wood fire pits | Prohibited citywide | - |
| Gas pits allowed | Enclosed UL-listed only | - |
| VHFHSZ | Berkeley Hills - all open flame banned | - |
| Red Flag days | No outdoor flame permitted | - |
| Contact | BFD (510) 981-2489 | - |
| Allowed | - | Per CFC with proper clearance |
| Spare the Air | - | Wood/solid fuel banned on alert days |
| Gas | - | Permitted year-round |
| Fire Service | - | Alameda County Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in the Berkeley Hills?
No. The Berkeley Hills are a CAL FIRE VHFHSZ and the Fire Department prohibits open-flame fire pits and chimineas. Only enclosed gas appliances are tolerated, and they must be shut off during Red Flag Warnings.
Are propane fire tables legal in the flats?
Yes, provided the unit is UL-listed, fully enclosed, kept at least 10 feet from any structure or vegetation, and not operated during Spare the Air alerts from BAAQMD.
Sunol FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in Alameda County?
Fire pits allowed per California Fire Code with proper clearance. Prohibited on BAAQMD Spare the Air days if wood/solid fuel. Gas fire pits permitted.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in Alameda County?
Allowed: Per CFC with proper clearance. Spare the Air: Wood/solid fuel banned on alert days. Gas: Permitted year-round. Fire Service: Alameda County Fire Department.
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