Outdoor Burning: El Monte vs Pasadena
How do outdoor burning rules compare between El Monte, CA and Pasadena, CA?
El Monte and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
Open outdoor burning of trash, leaves, brush, or construction debris is effectively banned in El Monte: South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 prohibits open burning in the South Coast Air Basin without an AQMD permit, and California Fire Code Section 307 (adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34) bans recreational rubbish burning.
View full El Monte rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena prohibits open burning under South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Burning trash, yard waste, and debris is illegal. Agricultural burning requires AQMD permits.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Open burning permitted? | No - prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444 and CFC 307.1.1 | - |
| Recreational fires | Allowed under CFC 307.4.2 with restrictions | - |
| Maximum criminal fine (CFC 109.4.1) | $1,000 + up to 6 months jail | - |
| AQMD civil penalty cap | Up to $11,710/day (H&SC 42402) | - |
| Permit authority | SCAQMD Open Burn Program + LA County Fire Code Official | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited |
| Authority | - | SCAQMD Rule 444 + CA Fire Code |
| No-Burn Days | - | AQMD may declare restrictions |
| AQMD Fine | - | Up to $1,000/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my El Monte backyard?
No. SCAQMD Rule 444 prohibits residential open burning of leaves, branches, paper, and trash anywhere in the South Coast Air Basin (which includes all of LA County). Yard waste goes in the green organics cart for collection.
Can I burn construction debris on a job site?
No. Open burning of construction debris is prohibited by SCAQMD Rule 444 and California Fire Code Section 307.1.1 as adopted by EMMC Chapter 15.34. Demolition and construction debris must be disposed of through licensed haulers.
What about a ceremonial bonfire?
A bonfire (anything larger than the 3-foot recreational fire limit in CFC 307.4.2) requires an open-burning permit from the fire code official under CFC Section 105.6.30 and, if not an exempt religious/ceremonial fire, separate SCAQMD authorization. Permits are rarely issued for residential bonfires in El Monte.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Pasadena?
No. Open burning is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the California Fire Code. Use city green waste collection instead.
What about a campfire in my backyard?
Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed under specific conditions, but are subject to AQMD no-burn day restrictions.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Pasadena 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