Fire Pit Rules: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Palo Alto allows gas and propane fire pits on residential property. Wood-burning recreational fires are restricted on Spare-the-Air days and prohibited in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the western foothills.
View full Palo Alto rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed in San Jose with clearance requirements under the 2022 Fire Code. Recreational fires need 25-foot setback from structures.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance from structures | Minimum 25 feet | - |
| Attendance | Required until fully extinguished | Required at all times |
| Spare-the-Air ban | Wood burning prohibited on alert days | - |
| Gas/propane | Allowed with proper clearance | - |
| Enforcing agency | Palo Alto Fire Department | - |
| Setback | - | 25 ft from structures |
| Portable Units | - | 15 ft from structures |
| Air Quality | - | BAAQMD restrictions apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I use a wood fire pit in Palo Alto?
Yes on most days, but not on Spare-the-Air alert days declared by BAAQMD. Gas and propane models are not restricted by the alert.
What about fire pits in the foothills?
Properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone face tighter restrictions and should favor gas appliances over open wood fires.
San Jose FAQ
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in San Jose?
Fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed in San Jose with clearance requirements under the 2022 Fire Code. Recreational fires need 25-foot setback from structures.
What are the fire pit setback requirements in San Jose?
Setback: 25 ft from structures. Portable Units: 15 ft from structures. Attendance: Required at all times. Air Quality: BAAQMD restrictions apply.
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