Outdoor Burning: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Open outdoor burning of leaves, yard waste, or debris is prohibited in Mountain View. Only contained recreational fires using approved fuel are allowed.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Outdoor burning in Santa Clara County is tightly restricted under BAAQMD Regulation 5 and County Fire rules. Most residential yard-waste burning is prohibited; permits needed for ag and hazard fires.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Yard waste burning | Prohibited | - |
| Trash burning | Prohibited | - |
| Recreational fires | Contained devices only | - |
| Disposal | Recology green cart | - |
| Agencies | MV Fire and BAAQMD | - |
| Residential Burning | - | Generally prohibited |
| Ag Burn Permit | - | BAAQMD plus County Fire required |
| Spare the Air | - | All burning banned including indoor |
| BAAQMD Penalty | - | From around 500 dollars per violation |
| Hazard Reduction | - | Coordinate with CAL FIRE |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Burning leaves or yard waste is prohibited. Place green waste in your Recology organics cart for curbside collection.
Are chimineas allowed?
Chimineas are allowed with clean fuel such as seasoned wood outside Spare the Air alerts or with gas, and must be attended and clear of combustibles.
San Jose FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Residential yard-waste burning is prohibited across the Bay Area. Use green-waste collection or composting.
Can I clear brush by burning on my rural property?
Only with permits from CAL FIRE, County Fire, and BAAQMD on a permissive burn day.
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