Outdoor Burning: Ojai vs Ventura
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Ojai, CA and Ventura, CA?
Ventura has fewer restrictions than Ojai.
Ojai, CA
Ventura County
Open burning is heavily restricted in Ojai due to extreme wildfire risk and air quality concerns. Agricultural burning requires a VCAPCD permit. Recreational fires are allowed only in approved fire pits when no burn ban is in effect. Yard waste burning is prohibited year-round.
View full Ojai rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Outdoor wood burning subject to seasonal no-burn days under Ventura County APCD and South Coast AQMD. Brush management required by June 1 each year for properties in High and Very High FHSZ under Ventura Fire Department FHRP.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ojai | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Yard Waste Burning | Prohibited year-round | - |
| Agricultural Permit | VCAPCD (805) 645-1400 | - |
| Fire Season | Typically May-November | - |
| Burn Ban Status | Check VCFPD daily | - |
| No-Burn Season | - | November – February (seasonal) |
| Authority | - | VCAPCD / South Coast AQMD |
| Brush Deadline | - | June 1 annually (FHRP) |
| Gas Fire Pits | - | Permitted year-round |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ojai FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Ojai?
No. Residential yard waste burning is prohibited year-round within Ojai city limits. Use curbside green waste pickup or the community chipping program.
What about agricultural burning?
Agricultural burning requires a permit from VCAPCD at (805) 645-1400. Burns are limited to specific days when air quality conditions allow.
When is fire season in Ojai?
Typically May through November, though climate conditions can extend it. Burn bans are common during this period.
Ventura FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in Ventura?
No. Open burning of trash, yard waste, and debris is prohibited. Use the city's green waste collection service or take materials to a disposal facility.
Are recreational fires allowed?
Yes, in approved fire pits following VCAPCD rules. No burning on no-burn days. Keep fires small, attended, and with extinguishing means nearby. Gas/propane fire pits are exempt from no-burn day restrictions.
How do I check for burn restrictions?
Check VCAPCD at vcapcd.org or call (805) 645-1400 for no-burn day status. The Ventura City Fire Department may impose additional restrictions during high fire danger — check the city's website or call (805) 339-4300.
Compare other topics
See how Ojai and Ventura 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