Outdoor Burning: Castro Valley vs Hayward
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and Hayward, CA?
Castro Valley and Hayward have similar restriction levels.
Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Outdoor open burning is essentially prohibited in Alameda County under BAAQMD Regulation 5 Rules 3 and 6. Agricultural and prescribed burns require district permits and are limited to designated burn days. Residential yard waste burning is not allowed.
View full Castro Valley rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or debris is prohibited in Hayward under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and city fire code.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castro Valley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Yard waste burning | Prohibited | - |
| Agricultural burn | BAAQMD permit required | - |
| Burn day rule | Permissive days only | - |
| Fire season enforcement | CAL FIRE PRC 4423 | - |
| VHFHSZ | East foothills extra rules | - |
| Open burn permits | - | Not issued |
| Yard waste | - | Curbside green bin |
| Burn barrels | - | Banned |
| Recreational fires | - | Under 3 ft, clean wood |
| Max fine | - | 10,000 dollars per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castro Valley FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Residential open burning of yard waste and trash is prohibited under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Use the county green waste curbside program.
What is a permissive burn day?
A day BAAQMD declares atmospheric dispersion is good enough for limited agricultural or prescribed burning. Check the daily status before any permitted burn.
Hayward FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Use the green waste cart or take material to Davis Street Transfer Station.
Who enforces the burn ban?
Hayward Fire Department and BAAQMD both have authority to cite violators.
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