Fire Pit Rules: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View allows portable outdoor fire pits fueled by natural gas or propane. Open wood burning is generally prohibited on Spare the Air days declared by BAAQMD.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale allows residential recreational fire pits fueled by clean natural gas or propane. Wood-burning outdoor fires are heavily restricted under BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3 and Sunnyvale Fire Code.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Gas fire pits | Allowed year-round | - |
| Wood burning | Banned on Spare the Air days | - |
| Clearance | 10 feet from structures | - |
| Supervision | Must be attended | - |
| Regulator | BAAQMD Reg 6, Rule 3 | - |
| Preferred fuel | - | Natural gas or propane |
| Clearance from structures | - | 10 feet minimum |
| Air district | - | BAAQMD Spare the Air applies |
| Code reference | - | SMC Chapter 16.52 |
| Enforcement | - | Sunnyvale DPS Fire Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can I use a propane fire pit on my patio?
Yes, propane and natural gas fire pits are allowed in Mountain View and are exempt from BAAQMD Spare the Air wood-burning bans.
How do I check if wood burning is banned today?
Visit sparetheair.org or sign up for BAAQMD alerts to see whether a no-burn day has been declared for the Bay Area.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I burn wood in my backyard fire pit in Sunnyvale?
Wood burning is strongly discouraged and prohibited on Spare the Air days called by BAAQMD, which occur frequently in winter.
Do I need a permit for a gas fire pit?
A building permit is typically required for permanent gas line extensions but not for self-contained propane units used on a patio.
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