Fire Pit Rules: Fair Oaks vs Folsom
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Fair Oaks, CA and Folsom, CA?
Fair Oaks and Folsom have similar restriction levels.
Fair Oaks, CA
Sacramento County
Unincorporated Sacramento County allows backyard fire pits subject to California Fire Code and SMAQMD rules. Fire pits must be 3 ft or smaller, burn only clean seasoned wood or propane, and sit at least 15 ft from structures, fences, and combustible vegetation.
View full Fair Oaks rules →Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Folsom allows residential fire pits with restrictions under CA Fire Code §307 and Folsom Fire Department rules. Pits must be 15+ feet from structures, maximum 3 ft diameter, use only seasoned firewood, and comply with Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD Rule 421 wood burning restrictions on 'Don't Light Tonight' days.
View full Folsom rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Oaks | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall | 3 ft diameter |
| Setback | 15 ft from structures and fences | 15 ft from structures |
| Fuel | Seasoned wood or propane only | Seasoned firewood only |
| No-Burn Days | SMAQMD Spare the Air enforced | - |
| Supervision | Attended with water source | Adult + extinguisher required |
| Air District | - | SMAQMD Rule 421 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Oaks FAQ
Can I use my backyard fire pit on a Spare the Air day?
No. SMAQMD Rule 421 prohibits wood burning in open pits on declared no-burn days. Propane fire tables remain allowed.
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No permit is required for residential recreational fires under 3 feet in diameter, but you must comply with setback and fuel rules.
Folsom FAQ
Can I use my fire pit on winter nights in Folsom?
Only if SMAQMD has not declared a 'Don't Light Tonight' wood-burning episode. Check sparetheair.com before lighting November through February.
Does a propane fire pit count?
Propane and natural gas fire features are generally exempt from SMAQMD wood-burning restrictions but still must maintain the 15-foot structure setback.
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