Outdoor Burning: El Cerrito vs San Ramon
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and San Ramon, CA?
El Cerrito and San Ramon have similar restriction levels.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
Open burning is prohibited in unincorporated Contra Costa County except under a narrow set of agricultural or hazard-reduction permits. Residential yard waste burning is banned year-round under BAAQMD Regulation 5, and wood smoke advisories add further restrictions during winter Spare the Air alerts.
View full El Cerrito rules →San Ramon, CA
Contra Costa County
Open burning is prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. San Ramon falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Backyard burning of leaves, trash, and yard waste banned since 1970. San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District handles fire safety enforcement.
View full San Ramon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | San Ramon |
|---|---|---|
| Residential yard waste burning | Banned year-round (BAAQMD Reg 5) | - |
| Permit authority | ConFire (CCCFPD) fire marshal | - |
| Winter wood-burn bans | Spare the Air alerts Nov 1 to Feb 28 | - |
| Illegal burn penalty | Up to $1,000 and 6 months jail (PRC 4423) | - |
| Ag burn days | Only on BAAQMD/CAL FIRE permissive days | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited (BAAQMD Reg. 5) |
| Backyard Burning | - | Banned since 1970 |
| Fire District | - | San Ramon Valley FPD |
| Standards | - | firedepartment.org |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in unincorporated Contra Costa?
No. Residential yard waste burning is prohibited year-round under BAAQMD Regulation 5, Rule 3. Leaves and green waste must go to curbside green-bin or composted on site.
What about a small recreational campfire?
Approved recreational fires under 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall, using clean seasoned wood, are generally allowed outside fire-restriction periods but may be banned during Red Flag Warnings and Spare the Air nights.
Who issues ag burn permits?
ConFire issues the local burn permit and you must also confirm a permissive burn day with BAAQMD before igniting.
San Ramon FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in San Ramon?
Open burning is prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. San Ramon falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Backyard burning of leaves, trash, and yard waste banned since 1970. San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District handles fire safety enforcement.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in San Ramon?
Open Burning: Prohibited (BAAQMD Reg. 5). Backyard Burning: Banned since 1970. Fire District: San Ramon Valley FPD. Standards: firedepartment.org.
Compare other topics
See how El Cerrito and San Ramon compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool