Outdoor Burning: Oakland vs Sunol
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Oakland, CA and Sunol, CA?
Oakland and Sunol have similar restriction levels.
Oakland, CA
Alameda County
Open burning of vegetation, yard waste, and debris is prohibited in Oakland year-round under Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 5 and Oakland Fire Code. The Oakland Hills VHFHSZ makes any ignition source especially dangerous. Only small contained recreational fires in approved devices are allowed, and even these are banned on Spare the Air days and during Red Flag Warnings.
View full Oakland rules →Sunol, CA
Alameda County
Outdoor open burning is essentially prohibited in Alameda County under BAAQMD Regulation 5 Rules 3 and 6. Agricultural and prescribed burns require district permits and are limited to designated burn days. Residential yard waste burning is not allowed.
View full Sunol rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oakland | Sunol |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Yard waste burning | - | Prohibited |
| Agricultural burn | - | BAAQMD permit required |
| Burn day rule | - | Permissive days only |
| Fire season enforcement | - | CAL FIRE PRC 4423 |
| VHFHSZ | - | East foothills extra rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oakland FAQ
Can I burn yard waste from tree trimming?
No. All open burning of yard waste is prohibited in Oakland under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Use Oakland's green organics curbside service or take material to a compost facility.
Is a backyard chiminea legal?
Yes for clean firewood or charcoal only, when no Spare the Air or Red Flag Warning is in effect, and placed at least 25 feet from structures and vegetation. Do not burn yard waste or trash in it.
Sunol FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my backyard?
No. Residential open burning of yard waste and trash is prohibited under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Use the county green waste curbside program.
What is a permissive burn day?
A day BAAQMD declares atmospheric dispersion is good enough for limited agricultural or prescribed burning. Check the daily status before any permitted burn.
Compare other topics
See how Oakland and Sunol 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