Fire Pit Rules: Herald vs Rancho Cordova
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Herald, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Herald and Rancho Cordova have similar restriction levels.
Herald, 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 Herald rules →Rancho Cordova, CA
Sacramento County
Rancho Cordova permits residential fire pits subject to Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District standards and California Fire Code Section 307. Fire pits must be under 3 feet in diameter and set back at least 15 feet from structures, fences, and combustibles. Only clean seasoned firewood is permitted.
View full Rancho Cordova rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Herald | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall | 3 feet diameter |
| Setback | 15 ft from structures and fences | 15 feet from structures |
| Fuel | Seasoned wood or propane only | Clean seasoned wood only |
| No-Burn Days | SMAQMD Spare the Air enforced | - |
| Supervision | Attended with water source | - |
| Fire District | - | Sacramento Metro Fire |
| Air District | - | SMAQMD No Burn days apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Herald 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.
Rancho Cordova FAQ
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Rancho Cordova?
No permit is required for recreational fire pits that meet CFC Section 307 size and setback standards, but SMAQMD No Burn day restrictions still apply.
Can I use my propane fire pit on a No Burn day?
Yes. SMAQMD burn restrictions apply to solid fuel wood fires, not to natural gas or propane appliances.
Compare other topics
See how Herald and Rancho Cordova 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