Fire Pit Rules: Palo Alto vs Sunnyvale
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale allows residential recreational fire pits fueled by clean natural gas or propane. Wood-burning outdoor fires are heavily restricted under BAAQMD Regulation 6 Rule 3 and Sunnyvale Fire Code.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance from structures | Minimum 25 feet | 10 feet minimum |
| Attendance | Required until fully extinguished | - |
| Spare-the-Air ban | Wood burning prohibited on alert days | - |
| Gas/propane | Allowed with proper clearance | - |
| Enforcing agency | Palo Alto Fire Department | - |
| Preferred fuel | - | Natural gas or propane |
| Air district | - | BAAQMD Spare the Air applies |
| Code reference | - | SMC Chapter 16.52 |
| Enforcement | - | Sunnyvale DPS Fire Services |
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Can I burn wood in my backyard fire pit in Sunnyvale?
Wood burning is strongly discouraged and prohibited on Spare the Air days called by BAAQMD, which occur frequently in winter.
Do I need a permit for a gas fire pit?
A building permit is typically required for permanent gas line extensions but not for self-contained propane units used on a patio.
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