Outdoor Burning: Garden Grove vs Santa Ana
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Garden Grove, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Garden Grove and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove prohibits outdoor burning of wood and solid fuels within 25 feet of combustible structures. Open burning of yard waste and trash is not permitted. Only approved gas-fueled devices and permanent fireplaces are allowed for recreational fires.
View full Garden Grove rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Open burning is prohibited in Santa Ana under SAMC Chapter 14 and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be permitted subject to OCFA regulations and air quality restrictions.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garden Grove | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited citywide | Prohibited |
| Yard Waste Burning | Not allowed | - |
| SCAQMD Rule | Rule 444 — no open refuse burning | - |
| Gas Devices | Allowed with Building Dept approval | - |
| Enforcement | OCFA and SCAQMD | - |
| Recreational Fire Pits | - | Allowed with conditions |
| Clearance from Structures | - | 15 ft minimum |
| Air Quality Rule | - | SCAQMD Rule 444 |
| No-Burn Days | - | All fires prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garden Grove FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Garden Grove?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited throughout Garden Grove. SCAQMD Rule 444 also prohibits open burning in the South Coast Air Basin.
What outdoor fires are allowed in Garden Grove?
Gas-fueled fire pits and outdoor fireplaces approved by the Building Department, and wood fires in approved permanent fireplaces with proper clearance from combustible structures.
What about no-burn days?
SCAQMD issues no-burn alerts during poor air quality days, which prohibit all residential wood burning including in fireplaces. Check SCAQMD for current alerts.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in Santa Ana?
Yes, recreational fires in approved manufactured fire pits are permitted provided the fire is at least 15 feet from any structure, attended at all times, and not during SCAQMD no-burn days.
Can I burn yard waste in Santa Ana?
No. All open burning including yard waste is prohibited under SCAQMD Rule 444 and SAMC Chapter 14.
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