Backyard Fires: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do backyard fires rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto and Sunnyvale 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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Small recreational fires in approved fire pits or chimineas are allowed in Sunnyvale backyards using clean fuel. Open ground fires and debris burning are prohibited under the Fire Code and BAAQMD rules.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance | 25 feet from structures | 10 feet from combustibles |
| Fuel size limit | 3 ft wide, 2 ft tall | - |
| Attendance | Adult required | - |
| Spare-the-Air | No wood burning | - |
| Gas appliances | Exempt from wood bans | - |
| Appliance required | - | Fire pit or chiminea |
| Allowed fuel | - | Clean wood, propane, gas |
| Banned fuel | - | Yard waste, trash, treated wood |
| Spare the Air days | - | Wood burning prohibited |
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I use a chiminea on my apartment balcony?
No, most multi-family buildings prohibit open-flame appliances on balconies under California Fire Code Section 308.1.4.
How do I know if today is a Spare the Air day?
Sign up for alerts at sparetheair.org or check the BAAQMD website each evening during winter months.
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