Backyard Fires: Oxnard vs Ventura
How do backyard fires rules compare between Oxnard, CA and Ventura, CA?
Oxnard has fewer restrictions than Ventura.
Oxnard, CA
Ventura County
Oxnard adopts the California Fire Code (CFC). Recreational fires are limited to a 3-foot maximum diameter, must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible (15 feet for an approved container), and cannot burn trash, leaves, or yard waste. Open burning generally requires a permit and a VCAPCD burn-day declaration.
View full Oxnard rules →Ventura, CA
Ventura County
Ventura adopts the California Fire Code through SBMC Title 14 Chapter 14.10, which controls backyard recreational fires under CFC Section 307. Fires must be no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, used between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and the fire code official may prohibit them on Red Flag or high-wind days.
View full Ventura rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oxnard | Ventura |
|---|---|---|
| Code Authority | Oxnard adopts CFC Sec. 307 (Ch. 13 Art. XV) | - |
| Fuel Area | <= 3 ft diameter, <= 2 ft tall | - |
| Setback | >= 25 ft from structures/combustibles | - |
| Approved Container | >= 15 ft setback allowed | - |
| Allowed Fuel | Clean, dry firewood only | Seasoned firewood, propane, natural gas |
| Prohibited | Trash, leaves, brush, yard waste, debris | Yard waste, trash, construction debris |
| Open Burn Permit | Required from Ventura County Fire Dept. | - |
| Air Quality | Burn-day declaration required (VCAPCD Rule 56) | - |
| Supervision | Adult + extinguisher/hose required | - |
| Confirm | Oxnard Fire Prevention (805) 385-7722 | - |
| Authority | - | SBMC Title 14 Ch. 14.10 (CFC adoption) |
| Max Fire Size | - | 3 ft wide x 2 ft high |
| Setback from Structure | - | 25 ft (recreational); 15 ft (chiminea) |
| Allowed Hours | - | 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. (VCFD Std 404) |
| Red Flag Days | - | Fire code official may prohibit |
| VHFHSZ | - | Brush clearance required by June 1 |
| Confirm With | - | Ventura Fire Marshal (805) 339-4337 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oxnard FAQ
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Oxnard?
Yes - a recreational wood fire is allowed if it is no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, kept at least 25 feet from any structure (15 feet if in an approved container), and supervised with extinguishing equipment ready.
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in my backyard?
No. CFC Sec. 307 prohibits open burning of leaves, brush, garbage, construction debris, and yard waste in Oxnard. Use the City's green-waste cart instead.
Do I need a permit for a propane or gas fire pit?
No permit is needed for listed gas or propane outdoor fireplaces, but the same 25-foot/15-foot clearance and supervision rules apply, and the unit must be used per manufacturer instructions.
Ventura FAQ
Are backyard fire pits legal in Ventura?
Yes, recreational fires are allowed under the California Fire Code as adopted by SBMC Title 14 Chapter 14.10, but a recreational fire pit must be no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet high, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and constantly attended with water on hand. Chimineas and portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure under CFC 307.4.3.
What hours can I use my fire pit in Ventura?
Per Ventura County Fire Department Standard 404, recreational fires are permitted between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. The fire code official is also authorized under CFC Section 307.1.1, as adopted in SBMC 14.10.020, to prohibit recreational fires on Red Flag warning days, anticipated high-wind events, or whenever atmospheric conditions raise the risk of an uncontrolled fire.
Can I burn yard waste or trash in my backyard?
No. Open burning of yard waste, trash, and construction debris is prohibited in Ventura. Only seasoned firewood or clean propane and natural gas may be used in a recreational fire or portable outdoor fireplace. Yard waste must go through the City's green-waste collection. Properties in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must also clear brush by June 1 under the City's Fire Hazard Reduction Program.
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