Fire Pit Rules: Petaluma vs Rohnert Park
How do fire pit rules rules compare between Petaluma, CA and Rohnert Park, CA?
Rohnert Park has fewer restrictions than Petaluma.
Petaluma, CA
Sonoma County
Petaluma adopts the California Fire Code via PMC §17.20.050 with local amendments. Open burning is generally prohibited; small recreational fires require compliance with CFC §307 setbacks and local Sonoma County Air District rules.
View full Petaluma rules →Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma County
Sonoma County has adopted the California Fire Code (Ord. 2023-01) without amending the state's default recreational-fire and portable-outdoor-fireplace setbacks. Under CFC Section 307.4.2, recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet away. A bonfire-or-rubbish-fire operational permit is required under Section 105.5.54(5).
View full Rohnert Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Petaluma | Rohnert Park |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Petaluma Code §17.20.050 (adopting CFC §307) | - |
| Recreational Fire Size | ≤3 ft diameter | - |
| Clearance | 25 ft from structures | - |
| Recreational fire setback | - | 25 ft from combustibles (CFC 307.4.2) |
| Portable fireplace setback | - | 15 ft (CFC 307.4.3) |
| Recreational fire size limit | - | 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high |
| Bonfire operational permit | - | Required (Ord. 2023-01 Section 105.5.54(5)) |
| Burn-day permit (open burning) | - | Required per County Code Section 13-71 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Petaluma FAQ
Are propane fire pits OK?
Yes — gas-fueled appliances with shutoff valves are treated differently and allowed closer to structures.
Rohnert Park FAQ
Can I use a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Sonoma County?
Yes, subject to California Fire Code Section 307.4.2: the fuel pile must be no larger than 3 ft diameter x 2 ft high and located at least 25 ft from any structure or combustible material. The fire code official can order it extinguished if it becomes a hazard.
Do I need a permit for a propane patio fire pit?
A portable outdoor fireplace under CFC Section 307.4.3 must be operated per the manufacturer's instructions and kept at least 15 ft from any structure or combustible material. No County burn permit is needed for a clean-burning gas appliance, but burn bans and red-flag warnings can still apply.
What about a backyard bonfire?
An operational permit is required under Ord. 2023-01 Section 105.5.54(5) 'to kindle or authorize the kindling or maintenance of bonfires or rubbish fires.' Open burning of rubbish is also separately prohibited by BAAQMD and NSCAPCD air-district rules.
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