Outdoor Burning: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara 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 →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Open burning of yard waste, trash, or construction debris is prohibited in Santa Clara. Only small recreational fires and permitted cooking fires are allowed, subject to BAAQMD air rules.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Yard waste burning | Prohibited | - |
| Trash burning | Prohibited | Illegal citywide |
| Recreational fires | Contained devices only | - |
| Disposal | Recology green cart | - |
| Agencies | MV Fire and BAAQMD | - |
| Yard waste burn | - | Prohibited by BAAQMD |
| Recreational fire | - | Under 3 ft fuel area allowed |
| Clearance | - | 10 ft minimum from structures |
| Air alerts | - | No wood burning during Spare the Air |
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.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. BAAQMD bans burning yard waste in Santa Clara. Use green waste curbside collection instead.
Is a chiminea considered open burning?
A chiminea or manufactured fire pit used recreationally is treated differently from open burning, but is still subject to Spare the Air Alert bans on wood fuel.
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