Outdoor Burning: Lodi vs Stockton
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Lodi, CA and Stockton, CA?
Lodi and Stockton have similar restriction levels.
Lodi, CA
San Joaquin County
Open burning of household waste, leaves, and yard debris is effectively banned in Lodi. Within city limits, the Lodi Fire Department enforces the California Fire Code (LMC 15.20) which prohibits open burning of rubbish. Beyond city limits in San Joaquin County, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Rule 4103 phased out agricultural burning - as of January 1, 2025 small orchard removals, vineyard removals, and surface harvested prunings are also prohibited. From November 1 through end of February, SJVAPCD Rule 4901 controls residential wood and pellet burning citywide.
View full Lodi rules →Stockton, CA
San Joaquin County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Stockton under California Fire Code Section 307 (adopted via SMC Chapter 15.12) and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rule 4103 (Open Burning). Residential solid-fuel fireplace burning is also banned on no-burn days from November through February under SJVAPCD Rule 4901.
View full Stockton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lodi | Stockton |
|---|---|---|
| City Open Burning | Prohibited (LMC 15.20 / CFC 307.1) | - |
| Ag Burning | Largely phased out (SJVAPCD Rule 4103, last phase Jan 1 2025) | - |
| Winter Wood Burning Program | SJVAPCD Rule 4901 (Nov 1 - end Feb) | - |
| Rule 4901 Levels | Discouraged / No Burn Unless Registered / No Burn For All | - |
| Report Illegal Burning | 1-800-870-1037 SJVAPCD | - |
| Backyard trash burning | - | Prohibited (SJVAPCD Rule 4103) |
| Yard waste burning | - | Prohibited |
| Recreational wood fires | - | Allowed only on permissive burn days, CFC 307.4.2 limits |
| Open burn permit | - | Required from Stockton Fire & SJVAPCD |
| Rule 4901 ban period | - | Nov 1 - Feb 28 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lodi FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my Lodi backyard?
No. Under LMC Chapter 15.20 (adopting the California Fire Code), open burning of rubbish, leaves, or yard waste within Lodi requires a permit from the fire code official, which is not issued for routine residential debris. Yard waste must be placed in the City green-waste cart for collection.
Are there days I can't use my fireplace or wood stove in Lodi?
Yes. From November 1 through end of February, SJVAPCD Rule 4901 issues daily burn-status calls. On a 'No Burning For All' day, all wood, pellet, and manufactured-log burning is prohibited from midnight to midnight. Check status at valleyair.org or call 1-800-SMOG-INFO.
Are farmers still allowed to burn agricultural waste near Lodi?
Only in narrow exceptions. SJVAPCD Rule 4103 has phased out most agricultural burning - as of January 1, 2025 small orchard removals, vineyard removals, and surface harvested prunings are also prohibited. Remaining categories require a District burn permit and active District-directed burn days.
Stockton FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard in the fall?
No. SJVAPCD Rule 4103 prohibits open burning of residential yard waste throughout the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin. Use green-waste curbside service or take material to a permitted composting facility.
Are agricultural burns allowed in Stockton's city limits?
Generally no - even outside city limits, agricultural burning is sharply restricted by SJVAPCD Rule 4103 and requires a District burn permit plus a permissive burn day. Within Stockton city limits, agricultural open burning is effectively prohibited.
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