Outdoor Burning: Carmichael vs Courtland
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Courtland, CA?
Carmichael and Courtland have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Open burning of yard waste is illegal in Carmichael under Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Rule 407, which prohibits all open burning north of Calvine Road in Sacramento County. Yard waste must go in the green bin or be taken to a county landfill.
View full Carmichael rules →Courtland, CA
Sacramento County
Residential open burning of leaves, yard trimmings, and household waste is prohibited year-round in unincorporated Sacramento County. Open burning is regulated by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; agricultural burns require a Sac Metro Air District permit and may occur only on declared permissive burn days. Check burn status before any allowed burning.
View full Courtland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Courtland |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited (SMAQMD Rule 407) | - |
| Yard Waste Disposal | Green bin or county landfill | - |
| Recreational Fires | Allowed if contained, 25 ft from structures (CFC §307.4.2) | - |
| Enforcing Agency | Sacramento Metro Fire District + SMAQMD | - |
| Residential yard-waste burning | - | Prohibited year-round |
| Regulating agency | - | Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District |
| Agricultural/rural burning | - | Permit + declared permissive burn day required |
| Nuisance smoke | - | Not exempt under Sac Metro Air District Rule 402 |
| Fire-season / Red Flag | - | Burning generally suspended/prohibited |
| Burn-day hotline | - | (279) 972-BURN (2876) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my Carmichael backyard?
No - SMAQMD Rule 407 prohibits all open burning of vegetation in the urbanized portion of Sacramento County. Put yard waste in the green bin or take it to a Sacramento County Landfill.
Are recreational fire pits legal?
Yes, contained manufactured fire pits burning clean wood or gas are allowed under California Fire Code §307.4.2 if kept at least 25 feet from structures and never left unattended.
Courtland FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in unincorporated Sacramento County?
No. Residential open burning of leaves, yard trimmings, and household waste is prohibited year-round by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. Use curbside green-waste collection instead.
Is any open burning allowed?
Limited agricultural and rural open burning is allowed only with a Sac Metro Air District permit and only on declared permissive burn days. Always check the daily burn status first.
How do I check if it is a burn day?
Use Sac Metro Air District's 'Check Before You Burn' daily forecast or call the burn-day hotline at (279) 972-BURN (2876).
What is the penalty for illegal burning?
Sac Metro Air District administrative penalties run roughly $100 to $1,000; burning on a no-burn day or during a Red Flag Warning can be a misdemeanor under Public Resources Code Section 4423.
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