Backyard Fires: Palo Alto vs Santa Clara
How do backyard fires rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Palo Alto and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
Backyard recreational fires are permitted in approved pits or appliances with 25-foot clearance, but are banned on Spare-the-Air days and may be suspended entirely during red-flag conditions in the foothills.
View full Palo Alto rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Small backyard recreational fires are allowed in Santa Clara in a manufactured container, kept under 3 feet and 10 feet from structures. Larger bonfires are not permitted in residential yards.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance | 25 feet from structures | - |
| Fuel size limit | 3 ft wide, 2 ft tall | - |
| Attendance | Adult required | Adult present until out |
| Spare-the-Air | No wood burning | - |
| Gas appliances | Exempt from wood bans | - |
| Max fuel area | - | 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height |
| Setback | - | 10 ft from structures |
| Permit needed | - | Bonfires over 3 ft |
| Fuel type | - | Clean wood or charcoal only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Can I have a bonfire in my yard?
No. Large open bonfires are not allowed. Only contained recreational fires under the size limits are permitted.
What counts as an approved fire pit?
Commercial metal or masonry pits with spark arresters, portable UL-listed outdoor fireplaces, or permanent gas-fueled pits meet the standard.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I have a fire in a dug pit?
Santa Clara follows the California Fire Code recreational fire definition. Use a manufactured pit or fireplace rather than digging into soil, and maintain all required clearances.
Do I need to tell the fire department?
No, not for a typical small recreational fire that meets size and clearance rules. Bonfires larger than that require a permit application in advance.
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