Outdoor Burning: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln and Rocklin have similar restriction levels.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
General open burning of yard waste and vegetation is prohibited inside Lincoln city limits. Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 8.28 (Burning) restricts outdoor fires, and the Placer County Air Pollution Control District lists Lincoln (along with Rocklin and Roseville) as a city where residential burning is not allowed; recreational cooking/warming fires and CAL FIRE-permitted agricultural or hazard-reduction burns are the limited exceptions.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin's Fire Prevention Division states unambiguously that 'Outdoor burning is NOT ALLOWED within the city limits of Rocklin.' This is reinforced by Placer County Air Pollution Control District rules, which list Rocklin (along with Roseville and Lincoln) among the incorporated cities where residential open burning is prohibited. Yard debris must go to the Placer County chipping program or curbside green-waste collection.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Residential yard-waste burning | Prohibited in Lincoln | - |
| Burn-day hotline | Placer APCD 530-889-6868 | - |
| Permits needed (ag/hazard) | Lincoln Fire + Placer APCD | - |
| Recreational cooking/warmth fire | Allowed if compliant with CFC §307 | - |
| Status | - | All open burning prohibited citywide |
| Air district | - | Placer County APCD - Rocklin is a no-burn city |
| Alternative | - | Placer County chipping program (530) 889-0111 ext. 3 |
| Fire code basis | - | 2022 CFC §307 + RMC Ch. 15.04 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my Lincoln backyard?
No. Placer County APCD lists Lincoln as a city where residential open burning is prohibited; yard waste must go in your green-waste cart or be hauled to the transfer station.
Are there any legal outdoor burns in Lincoln?
Yes - recreational cooking/warming fires that meet CFC §307 size and setback limits, and qualifying agricultural or hazard-reduction burns conducted under both a Lincoln Fire burn permit and a Placer APCD permit on a permissive burn day.
What's a permissive burn day?
A day when the Placer County APCD's daily air-quality forecast allows controlled open burning. Check by calling 530-889-6868 or at placerair.org before igniting any allowed fire.
Rocklin FAQ
Can I burn yard debris in a barrel on my back yard?
No. Barrel burning, debris piles, and any open burning are prohibited inside Rocklin city limits regardless of air-quality burn-day status.
Does the ban apply to ceremonial fires?
Ceremonial bonfires require an explicit permit from the Rocklin Fire Marshal under CFC §307.2; absent that written permit, they are illegal.
Compare other topics
See how Lincoln and Rocklin 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